Category: Central NY

Hearing Aide: Noon Fifteen ‘Volume 1’

Ithaca’s growing music scene includes prog soul project Noon Fifteen. This band of seasoned musicians have blended elements of 60’s rock and 70’s blues, creating catchy songs that make it impossible to sit still. The songs on their debut release, Volume 1, showcase powerhouse vocals, intriguing musical arrangements, and captivating story lines.

The EP captures attention from the first track, “Knock Knock Knock.” Sassy chanteuse Mandy Goldman sings about the time her drunken neighbor was banging on her door in the middle of the night. The story takes a surprising twist as she waits for an apology, and hopes that it would come in the form of an Olive Garden gift card. Goldman’s powerhouse vocals are backed by funky rhythms, starring Harry Nichols on bass and Chris Armitage on drums. The songs have a timeless quality, achieved in part through the use of vintage instruments, with Joe Massa on guitar and Sam Lupowitz on keyboard. Saxophones punctuate the melody, adding yet another layer of dimension to this plucky little number.

A couple other songs on Volume 1 incorporate horns (trumpet and sax), as well as a string section featuring violins and cellos. One of them is “Dave Coulier.” This tale of passion and revenge features a character who realizes that she is only loved when she is needed. “I will be the girl to fix it for you,” later becomes the bitter line “I won’t be the girl to fix it for you.” The instrumentation also reflects the change. It starts as a jangly and upbeat love song, with some hand claps thrown in for good measure. It becomes progressively darker as the narrator becomes more embittered, and picks up as she exacts vengeance. Each chapter is separated by a dramatic musical interlude. The song was originally titled “You Oughtta Know,” but Alanis Morissette already used that title for one of her songs.

“Her (Morisette’s) song is about Dave Coulier, the actor who played Uncle Joey on Full House,” Nichols told NYS Music. “So, in a moment of randomness equal to that of the song’s overall composition, we called the song Dave Coulier.”

Overall, the EP is a jam, with infectious grooves, skillful arrangements, and rich vocals. As the title Volume 1 suggests, this is just the beginning for this group. Just don’t let the name throw you: it’s always a good time to listen to Noon Fifteen.

Volume 1 is available on Bandcamp and Spotify. They’ve also released behind-the-scenes music videos and a Noon Fifteen podcast with episodes about each song.

Key Tracks: Knock Knock Knock, Dave Coulier

December 24, 2017
Hearing Aide: Chris Eves and The New Normal ‘Find Your Way’

Chris Eves and The New Normal debut their album Find Your Way this Friday night, December 22 at Funk n Waffles in downtown Syracuse, and on a busy night of Christmas parties and shows, its a must-see show given the prowess shown on this release. Recorded, produced and mastered at More Sound Studios in Syracuse by The New Normal and Andrew Greacen, this homegrown album and band sound ready to deliver in a live setting.

Chris Eves Band

Opening tracks “Remember to Forget” and “Green and Blue” show off the guitar work of Jay Lock, with the latter a stand out track on the album, truly soaring to height after height. “Walking on a Wire” is light and poppy in a Dave Matthews/Dispatch way, down to the built in crowd sing along. “Find Your Way” – all eight minutes of it – is a journey of a song, with peaks and valleys with an Assembly of Dust vibe throughout, down to Mike D’Ambrosio’s keys, which shine even more on “On Rainy Days.”

The album doesn’t have a lull or soft spot, and halfway through there’s a steady rock groove that gets harder with “The Chains You Wear,” with an early Soundgarden vibe. “Fall” is the hardest rocking track, bringing to mind moe.’s “McBain” and “George” amid an accelerated raging first half and a mellow reflective second one that turns up with Bayliss/Cinninger-esque guitar licks. Eves’ vocals are a treat throughout the album – like a diamond in the rough of jam band vocalists – notably, on the soul-extending “New Normal” and song of longing that closes the album, “Flown Away.”

Most tracks clock in between 4-6 minutes, giving a sign that these songs will stretch out much further in a live setting. After a few listens to the album, two things are apparent: Find Your Way is a debut album with shine and depth, and The New Normal might be the best new band out of Syracuse.

Key Tracks: Green and Blue, When the Stars Start Falling, Fall

December 21, 2017
NYS Music’s Guide to 2017 New Years Eve shows around New York State

NYS Music combed the state, across I-90 and I-87, up into the North Country and down into the Southern Tier, and has compiled a comprehensive list of all events coming up this New Year’s Eve. Make your plans for New Years Eve 2017 and say hello to a brighter 2018! (If we missed a show, email details to editors@nysmusic.com)

Buffalo and WNY

Join Intrepid Travelers and Folkfaces in their Buffalo hometown at Nietzsche’s. Event Link

Ring in the New Year at Buffalo Iron Works with Moon Hooch, Gnomedad & Honeycomb. Get your tickets in advance – this show is sure to sell out! Event Link

Aqueous has a Gorillaz-themed set planned for their bash at Town Ballroom. Event Link

Renown Pink Floyd Tribute band The Machine will be performing at Rapids Theatre in Niagara Falls. Event Link

North Tonawanda’s Strand Theatre has Miller & The Other Sinners with special guest Cinnamon Jones. Event Link

Celebrate The New Year in Jamestown at Jamestown Eagles Club with the Kates Brothers Band. Event Link

Ithaca

Big Mean Sound Machine’s Big Mean New Year’s Eve will mean of night of getting down at Lot 10. Event Link

Get a double dose of folk rock at The Haunt with Driftwood. Event Link

Rochester and Finger Lakes

Rochester’s hottest new venue, Radio Social, has a hot show planned featuring harp-playing singer/songwriter Mikaela Davis. Event Link

Mosh your way into 2018. Floated Magazine is hosting a hardcore show a show at Bug Jar with REPS, The Weight We Carry, Kodivk, and Bone Mask. Event Link

Funk n Waffles Rochester: Dirty Blanket & Root Shock. Event Link

Anthology has two nights of fun planned. Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad plays both nights. On December 30 they’re joined by John Brown’s Body and Thunder Body. And on New Year’s Eve, they share the stage with Easy Star All-Stars (performing Dub Side of the Moon) Event Link

Syracuse and CNY

In Syracuse, Sophistafunk and Skunk City will rock out at Funk N Waffles Downtown. Event Link

Or catch The Ripcords at the Fireside Inn in Baldwinsville.

Verona – Mick Adams and The Stones at Turning Stone Casino. Event Link

Capital District

Throughout Albany, Schenectady and Troy this New Year’s Eve, celebrate responsibly. Call for a free cab in the Capital Region during New Year’s Eve, courtesy of Martin, Harding, & Mazzotti LLP.

Twiddle will ring in the New Year, with a second performance at the Palace Theatre in Albany with special guest Giant Country Horns. Event Link.

Join in on the mystique of Albany, at the Hollow Bar + Kitchens NYE Masquerade party with live music by The Late Shift, and Mirk. Event Link

The Albany Hilton will host a NYE ’80s theme party, with music by The Refrigerators. Event Link

A Pirate, and mermaid themed Shipwrecked party will take over The Desmond Hotel in Albany, with live music by The Audiostars, Skeeter Creek, and DeeJay Element. Event Link

Playing With Fire Band, along with many others, will perform at Bethlehem’s First Night, in Delmar. Event Link

Ring in the New Year at the annual First Night, in downtown Saratoga, where there will be a wide range of activities and live music. Event Link

Vapor Nightclub at the Saratoga Casino and Hotel, with feature the biggest balloon drop in the Capital Region along with music by The New York Players. Event Link

Motown will take over the Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady, as R&B and Funk legends, The Commodores, are set to ring in the New Year in the Electric City. Event Link

Proctors Theater in Schenectady will hold their own Motown NYE bash with music by The Chronicles. Event Link

Soul Provider will rock in the New Year at the Rustic Barn Pub in Troy. Event Link

The Shop in Troy, along with other neighboring spaces, will host a Masquerade party with Burlesque performers and live jazz bands. Event Link

Hudson Valley

Kingston’s BSP Lounge will host Rubblebucket and local organist Marco Benevento. Event Link

Bearsville Theater will welcome Gratefully Yours on New Year’s Eve for a night of Grateful Dead music. Event Link

In Woodstock, check out The Big Takeover at Colony Cafe. Event Link

North Country

In Plattsburgh, The Monopole will host Groovestick for all night party with some Grateful Dead added in! Music starts at 10pm and goes until 6am. Event Link

Saranac Lake at The Waterhole will feature Annie in the Water and Nina’s Brew. Event Link

Westchester

Portchester’s Capitol Theatre brings in Colorado’s String Cheese Incident for 3 sets! Event Link

New York City

Brooklyn

They Might Be Giants at Music Hall of Williamsburg. Event Link

Brooklyn Bowl will host the legendary funk troupe Lettuce along with rising dance artists Jaw Gems. Event Link

Rich Medina presents HOME at C’mon Everybody in Brooklyn, performing house, rare groove and garage classics. Event Link

Soul Clap will keep the Crew Love real this New Year’s Eve with special live performances from rhythmic house duo No Regular Play and Afro-Futuristic pilots The Illustrious Blacks. Event Link

Budos Band will hit The Knitting Factory with Evolfo and Electric Citizen. Event Link

Bell House hosts The Rub NYE featuring DJ Ayres, DJ Eleven, Makossa Brooklyn Cookout and Prince Klassen. Event Link

Manhattan

Holly Bowling will perform her annual pre-show at The Cutting Room at 4pm on NYE. Event Link

Electric Love Machine hosts a FREE pre-party at American Beauty before Phish. Event Link

Gov’t Mule will host ‘The Rockin Mule Revue’ at The Beacon Theater, with special guests including Jackie Greene, Shawn Pelton, The Chronic Horns and The Better Half Singers. Event Link

Gramatik throws a dance party like no other at Terminal 5 on NYE. Event Link

Prefer Jazz to kick 2018 off? Try The Birdland Big Band at Birdland. Event Link

Three sets of Disco Biscuits await their loyal fans at The Playstation Theater in Times Square. Event Link

Macy Gray’s soulful voice will be singing the crowd into 2018 at Iridium Jazz Club. Event Link

John Digweed and Tara Brooks headline a bevy of DJs at Output. Event Link

and of course, Phish at Madison Square Garden. Event Link

Followed by and one final Phish After-party, this one with Kung Fu, Wyllys, Jerry Lounge Experience and more at American Beauty. Event Link

December 18, 2017
Donna the Buffalo Poised to Stampede into Rochester

Groove-heavy americana quintet Donna The Buffalo of Trumansburg, is returning to Rochester this weekend to distribute an eclectic mash of folk, roots, country, reggae, jam and zydeco, to a devoted local crowd. Accompanied by Rochester’s own, Aaron Lipp and the Slacktones, the foot-stomping, hug-sharing, and partner-twirling will take place on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 7:30 PM at Anthology. Advanced tickets are $22.50 and the gate price is $25.

“I love playing music. I love playing the fiddle…I love to sing. I never thought too much about it. I never wondered why I play music. I’ve just always done it. There was never anything else I was gonna do instead. There has never been a question. I was drawn to music. I love listening to it. I love playing it. Music fills me up. It’s one of my languages.” -Tara Nevins of Donna the Buffalo

Nearly thirty years since their humble beginnings, Donna the Buffalo is warming into an extensive winter tour, traveling from New York, to Florida, to Texas, with many show stops in between. There is good reason Donna the Buffalo has toured extensively for the better part of thirty years. The group provides a dynamic high-energy performance that is at one moment completely fun-loving and carefree, then in the next, undoubtably heartfelt and deeply insightful. At every show, the audience experiences poetic stories about life, family, and the human condition. To top off the enthusiasm brought by their live performance, Donna The Buffalo brings improvisation and spontaneity to the table. The band doesn’t work off a set list, rather, co-leaders Jeb Puryea and Tara Nevins take turns choosing the next song in real time.

When I asked Nevins if she had any advice for a young musician with aspirations to pursue the music industry, she retorted, “Do it because you love it don’t do it because you think you’ll be famous. And enjoy the journey..” I think it is crystal clear that Tara Nevins and all of the Donna the Buffalo family do indeed play music that they love, and do indeed enjoy the journey.

If you’re in the Rochester area, check out Donna the Buffalo on Saturday, Dec. 9, and everyone, stay tuned, Donna the Buffalo is recording a new record in February.

December 8, 2017
Brandi Carlile Announces 2018 New York Tour Dates

Brandi Carlile fans are some of the luckiest fans in the world. They can see Carlile just about any time they’d like to because she always seems to be on tour. She’s performed at least once a month, almost every single month since 2014 and will continue this streak well on into 2018, making several stops in New York along the way. These shows include a three-night run at the Beacon Theatre on April 5, 6 (Sold Out) and 7, the Palace Theatre in Albany on May 6 and the State Theatre in Ithaca on May 8. Tickets for all of these shows are available now and are modestly priced. Again, the April 6 show and the Beacon Theatre is sold out.

Carlile will be touring with her five-album discography and will likely showcase some new material from her soon to be released collection, By the Way, I Forgive You. Listeners can get a taste of the new album by checking out the single, “The Joke.” It’s sentimental and a bit melancholy, which isn’t unheard of for Carlile. But taking into account this track’s tone coupled with some emotional album artwork, it raises the question, what will the rest of the album sound like? That question will be answered on February 16, 2018.

Anyone unfamiliar with Carlile’s work should give her the old college try. Her music is wholesome, moving, catchy and beaming with energy. On top of her extensive musical career, she and her bandmates, Tim and Phil Hanseroth also found the time and energy to create a nonprofit called the Looking Out Foundation. They, “band together with fans, nonprofits, and corporations to translate voices of song to voices of action,” as well as donating $1 from every concert to their efforts and related charities.

Tour Dates:

April 5 – Beacon Theatre – New York, NY
April 6 – Beacon Theatre – New York, NY (SOLD OUT)
April 7 – Beacon Theatre – New York, NY
May 6 – Palace Theatre – Albany, NY
May 8 – State Theatre – Ithaca, NY

December 8, 2017
Dana Fuchs Perseveres Because Love Lives On

Dana Fuchs has built a loyal following in central New York, based on her energetic performances at the New York State Blues Festival and Dinosaur Bar-B-Que over the past half decade. That made her a popular choice for a NYS Blues Festival fundraiser appearance Friday, December 1 at Funk N Waffles in downtown Syracuse.

Her most loyal fans are familiar with Fuchs’ songbook and a few of their requests were granted during the evening. This included a rarely played tune as a tribute to an unnamed member of the Syracuse music community unable to attend due to serious illness. The notion of overcoming hardship or loss is a common theme in Fuchs’ songs as well as in the title of her upcoming release, Love Lives On. Throughout the set, she revealed details about herself and her family’s lives. While doing so in the club setting, it felt as though she was connecting to both old and new fans in a manner that other performers don’t often achieve. During one intro, she spoke of her own astonishing personal loss of both parents and three siblings over a short span, and how that loss was a basis for the captivating “Calling Angels.” This song featured Craig Dreyer on saxophone, in addition to his usual keyboard duties, and was one of the highlights of a memorable night of music.

While Fuchs displayed elements of many different styles, from blues to soul to gospel and even R&B at times, she is most decidedly known for her powerful voice and commanding stage presence during dynamic rock songs. Still, perhaps her best moments this particular evening were during the somewhat quieter pieces, including a poignant duet with her longtime songwriting collaborator Jon Diamond on guitar, “Keep On Rollin,” and the heartfelt “Faithful Sinner.” She and Diamond also displayed resilience in working around some technical difficulties in order to deliver the country blues tune “Nothing On My Mind.” Fuchs will return to touring next year in support of her pending 2018 release, Love Lives On, which can be pre-ordered here.

Fuchs mentioned that the drummer, Santo Rizzolo, was playing his very first show with the band and that the bass player, Brian Gearty, was fairly new to the ensemble as well. She made a point to thank them for stepping in and stepping up in order to help keep things rolling for her and the rest of the band. And roll they did, as Fuchs closed the show with some thunderous vocals on her own “Keep On Walking” and a blistering version of The Beatles’ “Helter Skelter,” much to the appreciation of an attentive and enthusiastic crowd.

Fuchs will return to Syracuse next summer when she and her band perform at the New York State Blues Festival, held in Syracuse’s Clinton Square July 12-14, 2018. You’d be wise to make plans to see Dana Fuchs and her band, whether it be again or for the very first time.

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December 7, 2017
Cait Devin Returns to Funk n Waffles

Cait Devin will once again grace the stage of Funk ‘n Waffles Downtown on Friday, Dec. 8 from 6-8 p.m. The 16-year-old singer/songwriter from Westmoreland got her start at open mikes, like the one at Funk ‘n Waffles. Now she’s playing shows throughout the Central New York region, performing a mix of indie pop originals and classic rock covers. You can also catch Cait solo on Dec. 9 at the Villa Verona Vineyard and Bistro in Verona and with her band Triple Threat at Copper City Brewing Company in Rome on Dec. 28.

She is currently working on her first EP of original material, recording at Big Blue North Recording Studio in Utica. Follow Cait on Facebook for updates.

December 7, 2017
Front Country swing through NY for 3 shows this week

Front Country, a Roots Pop band out of the San Francisco Bay Area heads into New York this week for three shows in NYC, Albany and Nelson. NPR has recently said of these musicians “In the bluegrass world, musicians tend to define themselves by their tradition and discipline. But Front Country is defined by its no-rules approach.”

With acoustic string instruments, the group finds a way to combined acoustic sound with pop songwriting, the byproduct being both complicated yet infectious. Their most recent release Other Love Songs has emotional songs throughout, with lead singer Melody Walker penning 8 of the 12 tracks

“These songs follow the lessons that everyone learns in their own personal evolution toward emotional maturity and vulnerability,” says Melody Walker, “in which all of us learn to break down toxic romantic fairy tales and write our own Other Love Songs that work for real people in the real world.”

Catch Front Country this week across New York. Thursday the 7th they’ll be at American Beauty in NYC, Friday they are at The Egg in Albany supporting Darlingside, and Saturday they play The Nelson Odeon in Nelson, NY.

December 6, 2017
Floodwood Celebrates Release of Third Album With Two Shows at Kirkland Art Center

Progressive string band, Floodwood, will celebrate the release of its third album at Central New York’s Kirkland Art Center with a pair of shows. The two day celebration, to be held Friday and Saturday Dec. 8 and 9 will feature four sets from the headliners along with guest appearances from Nigel Felony on Friday and the Old Main on Saturday. Tickets are $25 each night or $40 for both nights. Members of the Kirkland Art Center can purchase tickets for $23 each night or $36 for both nights. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.

Floodwood is Jason Barady and Nick Piccininni of Woodenspoon, Vinnie Amico of moe., Tony Markellis of the Trey Anastasio Band and Chris Eves of Chris Eves and the New Normal, Castle Creek and Skunk City. Combined, they bring a menagerie of influences to their unique brand of bluegrass.

The band’s third album (second studio album),‘Til I Die was released on Dec. 1. It was recorded over the past year at RDRAUDIO Studios in Amsterdam and was produced and mixed by the band’s engineer Mark Cochi with additional recording by Casey Latter. The new album is available digitally on Amazon, CD Baby, iTunes and Bandcamp and physical copies will be available at all shows.

Floodwood’s lineage reads like a history of Upstate New York music. From their bio:

Vinnie Amico has been playing drums professionally for nearly 30 years, 20 with jamband mainstays moe. Vinnie has been with Floodwood since it’s inception 5 years ago. Vinnie is influenced by many musical styles including rock, jazz, bluegrass, reggae, country, and world music. Those influences shine bright in Floodwood…

Tony Markellis is a bassist and record producer from Helena, Montana, now residing in Saratoga Springs, NY. His career spans over forty years, playing blues, folk, jazz, rock and country music with musicians such as Trey Anastasio, Paul Butterfield, The Mamas & the Papas, Johnny Shines, David Bromberg and many, many more. Markellis was a founding member of the groundbreaking Vermont-based jazz fusion group Kilimanjaro, as well as the Unknown Blues Band featuring Big Joe Burrell.

Jason Barady spent over 10 years recording & touring with the Bluegrass group Wooden Spoon from Taos, until returning to his hometown in central, NY. An influential part of his local music scene, Jason plays with an unyielding energy and creativity on both local and national stages. Fans have been known to refer to him as “the Hendrix of Mandolin”.

Nick Piccininni is a self taught banjoist/fiddler who learned his bluegrass chops the old fashioned way – in picking circles at his favorite bluegrass festivals. He has been involved in many projects including touring for two years with CMA recording artists, The Abrams Brothers. Nick arguably smiles the most of anyone in the band.

Chris Eves, from the band Castle Creek, is an accomplished guitarist and multi-instrumentalist. He has shared the stage with The Zac Brown Band, Jon Fishman of Phish, Johnny Lang, John Popper and many others. He also played guitar for American Idol and is featured in the film Star Trek Nemesis.

The Kirkland Art Center is a regional multi-arts center located in an old church in the heart of historic Clinton, New York facing the Village Green. The center has been integral in maintaining cultural endeavors in Central New York for over 50 years.

Floodwood always puts on an engaging show, filled with humor and brotherly competition. Check out some fan shot video of Floodwood’s newest member, Eves, kickin’ it at Funk ‘n Waffles in Syracuse last year below.

December 6, 2017
Live Music across the State this December, Presented by NYS Music

Once again, NYS Music is happy to present to you another packed month full of great live music for New York State. Make sure not to miss out on these shows taking place in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, Saratoga Springs and Cohoes.

Albany/Cohoes/Saratoga Springs

December 8 – For an unforgettable pop-funk and party-rock performance, don’t miss when Ripe takes Putnam Den with psychedelic-soul duo Okey Dokey and indie rock band Campo! Event link.

December 9 – On their 20th Anniversary “Cheers and Echoes” Tour, the highly acclaimed group Enter the Haggis will be stopping in Saratoga Springs a memorable night of Celtic Folk Rock. Accompanied by Black Mountain Symphony, it’s sure to be a night of incredible performances. Event link.

December 15 – Back by popular demand, Pink Talking Fish will be sure to bring an electric performance with their unique synthesis of hits from Phish, The Talking Heads and Pink Floyd. This time Annie in the Water is joining them to open up the night with some funk, reggae and rock. Event link.

December 23 – For a fresh take on your favorite Grateful Dead and the Allman Brothers come see Steal Your Peach Band. It’s a can’t miss show for jamband fans. Event link.

Cohoes (Presented by Guthrie/Bell Productions)

December 3 – At Cohoes Music Hall, come see Hot Tuna Acoustic, electric blues power duo of Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady. You don’t want to miss these living American music legends. Event link.

December 7 – Fresh off the release of their second album Cheen, Lespecial will be at Parish Public House with Backup Planet to give a dynamic and captivating contemporary rock performance. Event link.

December 8 – As it reads in their biography, “If intergalactic beings of pure energy, after initiation into an order of whirling dervishes, built some kind of pan-dimensional booty-shaking engine, powered by psychedelics and abstract math, it’d probably just sound like a CTS tribute band.” And that’s exactly why you can’t miss this. If you have not experienced “Sci-Fi Middle Eastern Fusion” yet, there is no better opportunity than coming to see Consider The Source with Teddy Midnight at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen. Event link.

December 9 – For pure musical brilliance and a horn section to die for, come see Big Mean Sound Machine with special guest Nautilus at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen. Event link.

December 16 – Gratefully Yours would like to bring every Dead head their dream setlist of Grateful Dead music. For this show at The Hollow, head to the bands website and make your suggestion for what the ideal setlist would be, then come out for an incredible performance! Band website.  Event link.

December 20 – For a moving performance and an intimate night with Bettye LaVette, featuring simply her stunning vocals and a piano, come to The Cohoes Music Hall. Her soulful style is widely acclaimed by all who have experienced her live and definitely a treat you do not want to miss out on. Event link.

December 22 – ‘Tis the season for the Guthrie/Productions Christmas Party, this year featuring Eastbound Jesus, Girl Blue and the Eastern Highs at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen. Nothing like some good bluegrass and rock and roll to get you in the holiday spirit! Event link.

December 29 – For a once in a lifetime experience, come see The Talking Heads tribute band, Start Making Sense, at The Cohoes Music Hall for some 80’s rock and funk. Event link.

December 31 – Ring in the New Year with Mister F and Goose at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen, a walk across Pearl Street from Twiddle the same night. Come see Mister F’s last performance before going on hiatus and celebrate the new year! Event link.

Buffalo – Nietzsche’s

December 1 –  Formula 5, Blue Rootz, Vinyl Orange Ottoman – catch three powerhouse jam bands to kick off December! Event link

December 8 –  Strange Machines, Dr. Slothclaw – Boston jam wizards Strange Machines are out to Buffalo on the heels of the release of their new album Voice of Color, along wit Dr. Slothclaw, an out of this world, freak explosion of funk, progressive rock, blues, and everything beyond that you must see for yourself. event link

December 16 – Murmur (A Tribute to R.E.M.) recreates the power and passion of R.E.M.’s live performances with precise musical detail. Event link

December 22 – Censored by ZFT: A Tribute to Frank Zappa. Honoring the music and legacy of Frank Zappa with two sets of his music. The show will feature songs from all eras and bands with an ensemble similiar in size to his touring bands of 1975-1976. Event link

December 27 –  THE TRUTH, Elliot Scozzaro. THE TRUTH is a jazz/funk/fusion quintet from Buffalo, NY that takes a modern approach to improvising while keeping a connection to the deep language and history in the jazz community. Event link

December 31 – Celebrate New Years Eve at Nietzsche’s with Folkfaces and Intrepid Travelers! Event link

Syracuse – Funk ‘N Waffles

December 5 – Backup Planet’s progressive funk-rock performances will have you feeling like you’re time traveling. They will joined this time by the Jimmy Wolf Blues Band. Event link.

December 7 – Check out Deadgrass, the five piece tribute band to Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead. Event link.

December 8 – Mammal Dap, the electronic group, will be hitting Funk ‘n Waffles with the anti-genre indie band, SeeppeopleS. Event link.

December 14 – Come out to The English Project’s Album Release Party for a free show featuring Chris Jame & Mama G, and make sure to grab an album while you’re there! Event link.

December 16 – Dodapod After Party featuring Syncpulse, Craig Brodhead of Turkauz. Event link

December 21 – For some progressive and psychedelic rock, come see Railbred, Astro Collective, and Fordham Road. Event link.

December 22 – Come celebrate and hear some great jam rock music at The Album Release Party Chris Eves & The New Normal with Chiggin. Event link.

December 23 – Syracuse’s longtime favorite hard rock band, Dracula Jones, will be performing with special guest TBA. Event link.

December 28 – For night one of their rock and roll New Years run, Gang of Thieves with Balkun Brothers will be hitting Funk ‘n Waffles and bringing their funky riffs, high energy, and some special surprises with the help of KTR Lighting. Event link.

December 29 – Barrom Philosophers, Astro Collective, and Organic Soul will be performing and bringing an overall mix of reggae, rock, and psychedelic sound. Event link.

December 31 – Don’t miss Sophistafunk, for some hip-hop, funk fusion with Syracuse’s own Skunk City, the funk rock experience. Event link.

Rochester – Funk ‘N Waffles

December 5 – Be sure to click the link to the event page to grab your tickets for Larry Carlton Quartet with Chet Catallo & The Cats for some jazzy blues guitar. Event link.

December 6 – Another local opportunity to see Lespecial with Backup Planet while they’re in New York. Event link.

December 7 – Right before they hit Syracuse, Mammal Dap with SeedpeopleS will be giving you another opportunity to hear them in Rochester. Event link.

December 8 – And right after they rock Syracuse with their Grateful Dead tribute, Deadgrass will be coming to Rochester. Event link.

December 15 – For an unforgettably unique, psychedelic hip-hop fusion show, come to Hyperborealis III to see Haewa, Pine Needle Soul, and SKYwalker. Event link.

December 20 – Railbred, Astro Collective, Fordham Road will be rocking out in Rochester before they roll to Syracuse. Event link.

December 22 – Vanishing Sun will be releasing their album live, so the four Rochester-based including Lost Wax Collective, The English Project and Eli Flynn will be jamming together the celebrate. Don’t miss it! Event link.

December 23 – Pearly Bakers Best, The Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia Band and The Beatles tribute band will be bringing their usual great performance from their weekly residency in Syracuse to Rochester. Event link.

December 28 – Personal Blend will be releasing their reggae/rock EP with special guests Upward Groove, and a solo performance by Joe Kaplan. Event link.

December 30 – Check out The Pumpkin Patch All-Star Party featuring Barroom Philosophers, Syracuse’s own genre benders, as well as Mother Funkin Planets, Stone Jack Ballers, Aaron Rizzo, Nic Deluc. Event link.

December 31 – Dirty Blanket and Root Shock will be starting off the year right with great music at Rochester’s Funk ‘n Waffles New Year’s Eve Celebration. Head to the link for tickets and more information! Event link.

December 5, 2017