In this audio editorial, Rochester Groovecast provides their top five takeaways from the 27th Annual Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival Of Music and Dance.
The Five Takeaways are:
Take a listen to the audio editorial below!
Ithaca’s Jimkata made a surprising hiatus announcement on its Facebook page Tuesday, announcing the band will be put on hold indefinitely.
https://www.facebook.com/jimkatamusic/posts/10155605657749189:0
In the post, the band alluded to reaching a turning point in its career, leading to the decision to go on indefinite hiatus to focus on other projects and the members’ individual lives.
Jimkata got its start at Ithaca College in 2005. Originally, the jamtronica band didn’t take itself seriously, taking its name from the 1985 gymnastics-meets-karate movie Gymkata, starring Olympian Kurt Thomas, a movie so notoriously bad, it’s a must-watch. Constant touring and a do-it-yourself work ethic earned the band a loyal fanbase as it transitioned from a jamband to a more electronic sound.
Founding members Evan Friedell (vocals/guitar), Aaron Gorsch (guitar/keys) and Packy Lunn (drums) grew up together in the Upstate college town of Oneonta. Bassist Dave Rossi joined after meeting the other members during his freshman year at Ithaca. Rossi was dismissed from the band in 2015.
The band has had a largely DIY ethic since its formation, turning to fans in online campaigns to finance its albums and tourning non-stop. The band’s latest album, 2016’s In Motion was financed through a PledgeMusic campaign. Such techniques tend to endear a band’s fans to the music as they feel a sense of ownership. Jimkata has felt a sense of pride in its DIY ethic and the relationship with its fans. Friedell says, “We just road dogged it. It’s all DIY. Doing 150 shows a year, sleeping on floors, recording songs along the way. We built everything organically, all word of mouth. The advice we got when we started was ‘Just go out and play. It’ll pay off.’”
In its statement, the band stated:
Its a very vulnerable thing to create music and share it with the world, not knowing how it will be received. For it to have been received with love and passion all these years is an honor. And to have existed as an independent band supported by friends, fans, and family for ten years feels like a privilege regardless of any challenges we’ve faced. But in short, we’ve busted our ass, given it our all, and for now we’re gonna take a step back and bust our ass in other directions. We look forward to staying connected with you and hope to hear from you as we pursue new projects. This is not the end of the music, but it is the end of this particular chapter of Jimkata.
The hiatus is not immediate, as the band still has several dates to perform, including a set at the Night Lights Music Festival in Sherman, south of Buffalo, Aug. 24-26 and October dates in Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, Albany and New York. Tickets for the October shows go on sale Friday, July 14 at 11 a.m.
Catch Jimkata in October:
Oct. 19 – Flour City Station – Rochester
Oct. 20 – Buffalo Iron Works – Buffalo
Oct. 21 – Westcott Theater – Syracuse
Oct. 26 – The Hollow Bar & Kitchen – Albany
Oct. 27 – The Main Pub – Manchester, CT
Oct. 28 – American Beauty NYC – New York
Julia Felice and The Whiskey Crisis, a rock group from Ithaca, have just released their second album Devil On Your Back. The album contains 11 tracks, and has a listening time of 44 minutes. Their tunes have an alternative, bluesy sound, and the album as a whole is more focused than their first, titled “Diving For Falls.” The group’s individual style is more refined on this record, as well, but the tone of their music can get repetitive.
That being said, the tracks on Devil On Your Back do feature some variety.
“Help Me Break,” the 6th song on the album, is sultry, soulful, and holds a slower rhythm than some of the other tunes. Julia Felice, the lead singer of The Whiskey Crisis, has a deep, raspy voice that is well complimented by the instrumentals this group puts out. “Help Me Break” showcases that factor in a different light. “Denim,” the shortest song on the album, exudes a funky, old school vibe, while “Waste” is one of the few upbeat tunes on the record, holding lots of feeling and spirit.
The classic sounds that Julia Felice and The Whiskey Crisis produce are strong, much like the stage presence the members hold, which can be demonstrated below. Julia Felice and the others exude focus and passion when performing, which is magnetic. They seem to be an entertaining group to watch if looking for an entertaining night of live music, producing Devil On Your Back for those who enjoy timeless tunes.
Key Tracks: Help Me Break, Denim, Waste
Next week on May 8, Grateful Dead fans around the world will mark the 40th anniversary of one of the most revered and traded shows in the band’s extensive history, that of 5/8/77 at Barton Hall at Cornell University. The show is a thing of legend for fans new and old, an oft listened to show that features numerous stand out versions of classic Dead songs. It has led to Tompkins Country Legislature announcing May 8 as ‘Grateful Dead Day’ and will also feature the release of a book covering the lore of the show, Cornell ’77: The Music, The Myth And The Magnificence Of The Grateful Dead’s Show At Barton Hall.
Listen to the show below and check out the numerous events taking place across New York State to honor this milestone anniversary in Grateful Dead history.
Right in the town where the show was held, The State Theatre of Ithaca will hold….
The event at The State Theatre of Ithaca will feature a special set of acoustic Grateful Dead music performed by Ithaca’s own tribute band, “Terrapin Station”, an official listening party of the 1977 release on the State Theatre’s brand new state-of-the-art sound system, a unique silent auction and a variety of special guests and speakers. In addition to the live music and Grateful Dead celebrations, Cornell University Press and author Peter Conners will also be in attendance chatting to fans about their new book “Cornell 77: The Music, The Myth and The Magnificence of The Grateful Dead’s Concert at Barton Hall”. Signed copies will also be available for purchase at this event.
Dark Hollow at The Range in Ithaca
Central New York’s Dark Hollow will perform the 1977 Barton Hall show at Cornell on May 8 for the 40th-anniversary celebration at The Range in Ithaca. Dark Hollow is one of the premier Grateful Dead bands in the Upstate NY area and will be joined by Rick Redington & the Luv, who seamlessly introduce the best aspects of country and folk into a variety of genres.
In honor of the 40th anniversary, the Cornell Chimes will perform 4 songs from the Grateful Dead repertoire from 6 – 6:30pm on May 8. Fans are encouraged to bring blankets and spread out on the lawn around the tower. At 5:45pm, Dan Klein from the Tompkins County Legislature will read a proclamation declaring May 8, 2017 “Grateful Dead Day in Tompkins County.”Author Peter Conners will be available to sign copies of his new book from Cornell University Press Cornell ’77: The Music, The Myth, and the Magnificence of the Grateful Dead’s Concert at Barton Hall at the Cornell Store from 5:45-6:30pm
The Cornell Chimes have been the heartbeat of Cornell’s campus life for more than a century, marking the hours and chiming concerts. The original set of nine bells first rang out at the university’s opening ceremonies October 7, 1868. Over time the chime has been recast and expanded to 21 bells; it continues to ring daily concerts, making it one of the largest and most frequently played chimes in the world. This marks the first time The Cornell Chimes will perform works by the Grateful Dead
In Albany, Gratefully Yours will recreate the 5/8/77 show at The Hollow Bar and Kitchen with an all-star lineup of Albany musicians including Alex Mazur (Keyboards, Vocals), Adam Czolowski (Guitar, Vocals), Tom Pirozzi (Bass), Rob Schiff (Guitar, Vocals), Jeff Prescott (Drums) and Jessica Barlow (Vocals)
Rhino Entertainment and The Capitol Theatre Present: 5/8/77 Revisited – A Grateful Dead Dance Party
Part of the legacy of the Barton Hall performance is the quality of the recording that has circulated, and on May 8, The Capitol Theatre will host a listening party of the just-released “official” recording. The new recording will sound impeccably good through The Cap’s state-of-the art sound system and the new recording will be available for purchase at the event. Rhino Records will be on hand, giving away free stickers, patches, notebooks, and music releases as well. Also in attendance will be Larry Reichman, the “official” photographer of Cornell University on 5/8/77, who will be presenting never-before-seen images from this concert that we’ll be projecting on the walls of the Cap. He will also be promoting his upcoming book that will contain them. Tickets to this performance cost only $6.50 in advance – the original price of tickets for the Barton Hall performance in 1977.
Big Mean Sound Machine is an instrumental funk group which has been evolving since the summer of 2009. The adjectives in the band’s name are normally used to describe a Godzilla-like monster and this 9-piece out of Ithaca, NY has a sound that is far from gorgeous. While members have come and gone to aid in the experimental efforts, their urge to grow creatively never ceases to amaze their loyal fan base. Known for throwing some of the sweatiest dance parties in the Northeast, Big Mean Sound Machine has been ambitiously touring and working hard to welcome new followers with no plans of slowing down. The new fan-funded album, Runnin’ for the Ghost, is just one example of how relentless experimentation on the road can lead to something positive and fruitful in the studio.
The opening track, “Return of the March” begins with sound effects reminiscent of spaceship maintenance from a galaxy far away. The futuristic afro-beat introduction to the album peppers in the perfect amount of brass giving it a relaxing hookah lounge feel. “Runnin’ for the Ghost” features haunting synthesizer-bass interplay with a worldly drumbeat acting as the powerful nucleus. The title track is the longest on the album, inviting listeners to embark on the meanest, craziest and biggest journey of all and is sure to become a staple of their already bustling live music repertoire. “Hired Guns” takes to the streets of New Orleans for a straight forward funk piece that would mix well with any Mardi Gras influenced cocktail. Extremely danceable and groovy, the track exits on the other side of the Earth with a tribal, West African percussion section.
Big Mean Sound Machine attempts to travel to all parts of the globe in terms of musical influences and in “Burning Van” they cover the slums of Latin America. The tenor sax and trombone combine forces as other band members delicately weave in and out of the track to create a perfect theme song for any 1970’s police detective TV montage. Every band has a song that can attract attention simply based on the name. On their newest release, “Triple Bacon” is that song. While the title may induce hunger for one of our planet’s finest meat products, the gritty jazz will help you get your ass on the floor and burn some calories. The 11 tracks come to an end with “Another Grain of Sand” returning to the afro-beat and Jamaican dancehall influence that has appeared throughout the 44-minute album. An Epcot-like adventure through many different cultures and influences proves that these talented musicians have studied the encyclohpedias of sound. From James Brown to Fela Kuti, the ghosts of artists that have come before them are sure to be dancing wherever they may be.
Check out Big Mean Sound Machine on tour and pick up Runnin’ for the Ghost now!
Key Tracks: Runnin’ for the Ghost, Hired Guns, Triple Bacon
Ithaca natives, the X Ambassadors, will return to where it all started, as the alternative indie rockers return home to headline and present the inaugural Cayuga Sound Festival. The festival will take place at historic Stewart Park, on Sept. 22-23. Tickets go on sale March 31, at 10 a.m.
Alternative hip hop, and Late Night With Jimmy Fallon house band, the Roots, will headline an evening as well. Other artists performing during the two-day festival include K.Flay, the Knocks, Tei Shi, Margaret Glaspy, Jukebox the Ghost, Savoir Adore, Crush Club, Sammus, Izzy True, Imperials, Stone Cold Miracle, and Mail the Horse. More artists will be announced later.
Cayuga Sound will showcase vendors from across the region that will be on hand to feed festival goers, along with local brews made just for the festival from Ithaca Beer Company. The full food lineup will be announced soon.
X Ambassador frontman Sam Harris commented about the upcoming fall festival:
My brother Casey and I are proud to call ourselves native Ithacans. The city is an important part of our identity, personally, and professionally. We cut our teeth as musicians in Ithaca, so X Ambassadors owe the city a great deal. We wanted to curate a music festival in Ithaca that celebrates the city where we hail from. With an eclectic line-up of artists from all different genres of music, wonderful food and drink from local vendors and the opportunity to give back to the community we are so proud of.
X Ambassadors debut full length album VHS, debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200, and is certified gold by the RIAA. The album churned out three hit singles. Their single “Jungle,” which features Jamie N Collins and Jay-Z, is certified gold. The band’s release of the single “Renegades,” earned them their first certified platinum hit, and the X Ambassadors biggest selling single, “Unsteady,” is certified twice platinum. X Ambassadors are featured in the hip hop track “Sucker For Pain,” which is certified twice platinum and features Lil’ Wayne, Wiz Khalifa, Imagine Dragons, Logic and Ty Dolla $ign.
Nestled in the foothills of the Finger Lakes is the college town of Ithaca, a community rich in the arts with a vibrant indie music scene. It was there six years ago when Julia Felice and Harry Nichols set out to record a few songs. Rather than release them on an EP, they held out until they had enough for a full-length album. Diving for Falls was released in 2014, with Felice on vocals and keys, Nichols on guitar, and Julian Dalton on drums. For the release show, they enlisted the help of Samuel B. Lupowitz on bass guitar and Joe Massa on lead guitar. This lineup eventually became known as The Whiskey Crisis.
Over the past couple years, Julia Felice and The Whiskey Crisis have distilled their sound. Devil on Your Back has a more distinctive flavor than its predecessor. Felice’s deep and sultry vocals are complimented by the band’s jazzy blues stylings. The sound is full and robust, and the instrumental breakdowns give the musicians an opportunity to flaunt their skills.
Over the course of 11 tracks, Julia Felice and the Whiskey Crisis demonstrate that they can perform a range of R&B songs – from the spirited numbers “Waste” and “Count Stacks” to the slow, soulful songs “Help Me Break” and “Come Over.” The song “Denim” has a funky 70’s vibe, but overall the entire album seems timeless and classic – with songs which could fit in as easily on a playlist with Joss Stone and Amy Winehouse as with Carole King or Janis Joplin.
The band is celebrating the release on April 1 with a hometown show in Ithaca at The Range. Follow Julia Felice and the Whiskey Crisis on Facebook for upcoming shows and purchase information for Devil on Your Back.
Key Tracks: Help Me Break, Count Stacks, Albatross
Synth-pop trio Humble Braggers are heading out on a run of shows across the state. The tour coincides with the release of their debut full-length album, I Know Better, I’m No Better. It all starts with a hometown show at Nietzsche’s in Buffalo on March 10. From there, they travel across the state and circle back to Fredonia on March 22. Tickets are on sale now.
Tour Dates:
March 10 – Neitzches – Buffalo
March 14 – Bug Jar – Rochester
March 15 – The Range – Ithaca
March 16 – Silvana – Harlem
March 17 – Ralph’s Diner – Worcester, MA
March 18 – Pianos – Manhattan
March 22 – BJ’s – Fredonia
I Know Better, I’m No Better is out on Admirable Traits Records on March 10. The single “Weight” can be streamed now on Soundcloud.
https://soundcloud.com/admirabletraitsrecords/humble-braggers-weight
One of the Grateful Dead‘s most revered shows is finally seeing the light of day in an official release this spring to mark the show’s 40th anniversary.
The band played its first of three shows (1977, 1980, and 1981) on May 7, 1977, booked by the Cornell Concert Commission after some troubles with booking live acts in the years prior. May ’77 wasn’t first live Cornell campus appearance from the Grateful Dead family however. The Jerry Garcia Band had performed at Cornell’s Bailey Hall less than two years prior on 10-27-1975. The May 1977 lineup for the Grateful Dead included the core of Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann, as well as Donna and Keith Godcheaux.
The official release, in the form of a 5-LP box set and CD, will contain the entire Cornell ’77 show mastered from the Betty board tapes. Not only will this Barton Hall show be released, included in another 11-CD box set (May ’77: Get Shown The Light) will be 5/5/77 at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in New Haven, CT, 5/7 at Boston Garden, and 5/9 at Buffalo Memorial Auditorium.
Many sources of the Barton Hall show have been circulated over the years, including unofficial soundboards (heard over on archive.org) which are of decent quality, though with some flaws inherent to the taping and matrix mixing process. Rolling Stone gave a sneak preview of “Morning Dew” from the upcoming release and after listening to the bootlegs of Barton Hall, the release promises to be a fantastic treat for Deadheads.
The various release formats for the Cornell ’77 show and the other May 1977 shows debut on May 5 and pre-orders for it are available now over at dead.net. Only limited quantities of the 5-LP vinyl box set of the Cornell ’77 show are available.
Peter Conners, author of “Growing Up Dead” and other works on the Grateful Dead is working on a book titled “Cornell ’77,” chronicling the Dead’s appearance at Cornell set to be published by Cornell University Press.
Marco Benevento is set to blastoff in 2017 with a new album and tour on tap. The multi-instrumentalist dubbed the Mad Hatter will start the year spinning forty-fives for an intimate hometown get down at the Catskill Mountain Pizza Company in Woodstock, NY on January 7. Teaming up with music journalist Brian Turk, the event is called Brian Turk and Mr. D present “I’m a DJ Too,” and will feature tasty pizza and beer from the Catskill Brewery, not to mention a set of fresh cuts straight from Marco’s head to the floor. But only 75 tickets will be available. Click here to get yours.
Later in the month, Benevento will launch a tour in support of the Feb. 17 release of The Woodstock Sessions, a new live album recorded last September at Applehead Studios. The first show will take place on Jan. 30 at Funk ‘n Waffles Downtown in Syracuse. Local Grateful Dead tribute act, Pearly Baker’s Best, will open. Tickets are $20 at the door and $15 in advance. Tickets are available through Ticketfly for the Syracuse show.
Other New York stops for the Woodstock resident include Buffalo, at The Iron Works on Jan. 31, Ithaca, at The Rongo on Feb. 1, The Brooklyn Bowl on Feb. 2, and at The Hollow in Albany on Feb. 3. See below for full tour information.
With a full schedule ahead of him, Marco Benevento has gone ahead with a Pledge Music campaign that will put fans at the forefront of his new album and musical adventures throughout his 2017 tour stops. Packages include a chance to pre-order The Woodstock Sessions, opportunities to receive show tickets, signed setlists, a bookshelf made from Marco’s grand piano, a band lesson, or even the chance to record with Marco at Fred Short Studios in Woodstock, NY; plus, Marco is making himself available to spin vinyl or play a solo piano concert at a lucky fan’s private party. More information is available here.
Tour Dates:
Jan. 30 – Syracuse, NY – Funk ‘N Waffles
Jan.31 – Buffalo, NY – Iron Works ^
Feb. 1 – Ithaca, NY – The Rongo
Feb. 2 – Brooklyn NY – Brooklyn Bowl *
Feb. 3 – Albany NY – The Hollow ^^
Feb. 4 – Burlington VT – Higher Ground
Feb. 6 – Portland, ME – One Longfellow Square
Feb. 7 – Hamden, CT – The Ballroom at The Outer Space ***
Feb. 8 – Holyoke, MA – Gateway Arts
Feb. 9 – Boston MA – The Sinclair *
Feb. 10 – Ardmore, PA – Ardmore Music Hall *
Feb. 11 – Baltimore, MD – Ram’s Head Live **
March 25-26 – Boise, ID – Treefort Music Festival
March 31 – Denver, CO – Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom
April 1 – Boulder, CO – Fox Theatre
April 2 – Avon, CO – Agave
April 4 – Salt Lake City, UT – The State Room
April 5 – Bozeman, MT – The Filling Station
April 6 – Spokane, WA – The Bartlett
April 7 – Seattle, WA – Tractor Tavern
April 8 – Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom
April 9 – Eugene, OR – Hi Fi Music Hall
April 11 – Bend, OR – The Capitol
April 12 – Sacramento, CA – Harlow’s
April 13 – Petaluma, CA – The Mystic Theatre
April 14 – San Francisco, CA – Independent
April 15 – Los Angeles, CA – The Bootleg
* w/WOLF!
** w/Psycho Killers
*** w/Superhuman Happiness
^ w/Mayabird
^^ w/Mayabird + Band of Ghosts