Syracuse hardcore band West Berlin just dropped the music video for “Sun.” The working-class anthem clocks in at under three minutes, but packs a powerful punch. It’s the title track off their latest EP which was released during the week of this summer’s solar eclipse. Shot in classic black and white by Dalton Lampo, the video documents their recent tour and includes footage from their high-energy performances and time spent on the road.
As the Young Dubliners made their way through New York on their East Coast Tour, they certainly liven up Hump Day for those brave enough to venture out to The Westcott this past week.
Those in attendance for this mid-week concert were there to dance and have a good time as they had an inside track to what they were in store for. Immediately apologizing for not keeping his word to play on a Friday night, you wouldn’t know it wasn’t a Friday as they brought the party with them for their captivated audience.
Opening for the band were New York locals Waydown Wailers. Although a great band in their own right, I don’t think those in attendance were able to appreciate their unique sound. More of a southern rock band, these talented locals from Canton played to a group of Celtic loving souls, and left them scratching their heads and feeling a bit quizzical in what they just heard. With more than enough local Celtic performers to choose from as openers, I believe when booking opening bands for shows, the Westcott needs to start pairing bands together that play to the same crowd. Not only will it appease the crowds, those bands that are opening, will begin to reach more of the audience they wish to reach.
As the L.A. lads took the stage, they jumped feet first into a fully charged setlist that included many favorites from their large catalog of music. With Keith Roberts on lead vocals and guitar, he quickly engaged the crowd with his edgy vocals and charismatic personality, not to mention the stage full of talent that accompanied Keith with David Ingraham on percussion, Brendan Holmes on bass, Bob Boulding on lead guitar, and Chas Waltz on fiddle, mandolin, and harmonica. Each musician was as impressive as the next as they melodically mesmerized their audience leaving them wanting more.
For those that made their way to the Westcott to see the talented Young Dubliners, they were treated to an awesome performance and enough energy to last them till the next time they can make their way back east.
Setlist: Paddy’s, Adhainn Mor, Fall, Say Anything, Brown Dog, Howaya Girls, Come Back Home, Bodhran, Apart, Liverpool, Seeds of Sorrow, Tell Me Ma, Foggy Dew, Ashley Falls, Waxies, Pari of Brown Eyes, Chas Solo, We The Mighty, Carlow, Fall from Grace, Rosie, and Rocky Road
Don’t let the weather deceive you, believe it or not, autumn began on September 22. Festival season in New York is nearing it’s close and festival goers are itching for a few last hurrahs. Next weekend, locals will be traveling to The Fall Down Music Festival at The “G” Lodge in Hannibal, NY. Presented by local booking and promotion company Hey Dude After Hours, The Fall Down is an intimate Central NY based music festival specializing in string music, jam bands, and singer-songwriters. Progressive string band Floodwood will be the headliner. Floodwood is lead by national talents of Vinnie Amico (moe) and Tony Markellis (Trey Anastasio Band). The Fall Down will take place next week at The “G” Lodge (81 Keller Rd, Hannibal, NY) on October 6th and 7th. Get your weekend passes for $50 here!
Take a glance below and click the play button. You’ll find a Rochester Groovecast podcast episode. This episode is a preview of the upcoming 2nd annual The Fall Down Music Festival. During the episode, you’ll listen to The Crooked North, Floodwood, Haewa, The Dwayne Johnsons, Folkfaces, Dirty Blanket, Timothy Braley, and Jungle Steve & The Gysophelias. All of these bands will be at this year’s The Fall Down Music Festival. If you scroll even further down, you’ll find a detailed episode timestamp.
Timestamp: 00:00: The Crooked North- Hop High My Lulu Gal 03:24: Introduction 06:19: The Crooked North- You Don’t Fit In 10:02: Floodwood- Waiting For The Punchline (Moe Cover) 18:58: Floodwood- Caught 24:22: Haewa- Chem De-Vision 28:04: Haewa- Swampin 33:37: The Dwayne Jonhsons- About That 37:17: The Dwayne Johnsons- Cold Pizza 41:24: Folkfaces- Angels And Demons 44:31: Folkfaces- Freedom Fries 48:24: Dirty Blanket- My Getaway 54:28: Dirty Blanket- Getting In The Way 57:58: Timothy Braley- Graceland (Paul Simon Cover) 1:02:15: Conclusion 1:03:55: Jungle Steve- Safe & Sound
NYS Music welcomes the Young Dubliners once again to New York as they begin their east coast tour, making their first of three New York appearances tomorrow evening in Cohoes at the Cohoes Music Hall.
Often considered one of Celtic Rock’s hardest working bands, The Young Dubliners blend their musical backgrounds and styles to create a unique sound that encompasses an electric mix of influences which of course includes a Celtic rock sound. Touring the entire year across the United States and Ireland, these few shows are their only east coast appearances scheduled this year in our area. Don’t hesitate to grab your tickets and take in a show as their energy as a live band is a must see.
Sept. 22 – The Kate – Old Saybrook, CT Sept. 23 – Cohoes Music Hall – Cohoes, NY Sept. 25 – Mercury Lounge – New York, NY Sept. 27 – Westcott Theater – Syracuse, NY
Sept. 28 – World Cafe Philadelphia – Philadelphia, PA
Sept. 29 – Stouts Irish Sports Pub – Providence, RI
Sept. 30 – Amp by Strathmore – North Bethesda, MD
You can stream the Young Dubliners’ latest release NINE here.
Living in Central New York, you will find some great talented musicians lurking at your favorite dives and music venues. Oh yes, these creatures still exist and they seek out souls to join their ranks. The energy and the aggression in the material these bands crafted will have it become as if it was forged into your DNA! A perfect example that the music scene in my hometown is still baring teeth is no other than the mighty and destructive Deadrider! With their 2017 album Reaper, you will join the ranks of the CNY metalheads!
Deadrider is a heavy metal and thrash inspired group containing the talents of John V Bustos (lead singer/lead guitar), Antonio Labbe (drums), Michael V Visconti (guitar and backing vocals) and Mike Losert (bass). If you go to the local shows in the area, I bet you will meet these rocking dudes! With so many great influences on the album from the late 80s and early 90s, the best track that encompasses these elements would be the track. “Heavy Metal Deadride.” With amazing guitar work with searing guitar solos from both Bustos and Visconti , your ear will pick up the how the track is deeply rooted into bands like Anvil and early Iron Maiden days. With a dangerous cocktail of power and aggression, this jam becomes a whiplash worthy type of track; prepare for bangovers! The melodies are infused with g-force speed and allows this piece to come alive. It will eat you up! The vocals will create a fire in your blood as if it was your last ride. Ready for their last ride and hot damn it makes it addicting. With such speed you can see this element on other tracks on the release like “Brainwashed” to keep you windmilling for days.
What I love most about Deadrider is the hints of thrash in their material. Let me tell ya brother, I love my thrash as much as I love my crafted beer. One of my favorite tracks to give me my thrash fix is the necksnapping “Skulls and Bones.” This thrash based track with neck breaking riffs will have you sore for days! The drums are wild and sparadic and it fits the overall approach of this song quite well. This will make you pick up your feet and mosh as if your life depends on it. Losert brings that nice old school 80s bass tone to it. Labbe with his great approach and dynamic style, really allows the lower and bottom end in great form. This allows both the bass and drums to shine like a sword after it is folded into the perfect weapon. Show no mercy when this song is blasting.
The band’s track “Iron Angel” is one hell of a catchy grooved based tune. With the mindset of the end is coming towards the listener and your possible enemies, it really feeds that urge to have destruction take hold. If Venom had a bastard son, this would be the track! This one is indeed for the metal fans of the all or nothing type of attitude. It is one my personal favorite tracks on the album. Along with “Through The Trenches” the added variable of the formula to this album of fighting to the last breath will make this your go to release to get pumped before the show. Like pumped and ready to scream!
Reaper has the fix for that raw thrash and old school heavy metal approach that will fill any bar and music venue in the area! I would rate this album 5 out of 5! Check them out on Facebook and their website.
Key Tracks: Iron Angel, Brainwashed, Skulls and Bone
On August 24, the 3-piece hard-rock trio, Chevelle, brought their brand of rock from Illinois to the New York State Fair. Check out the setlist and photos below.
Setlist: Another Know It All, The Clincher, Young Wicked, Take Out the Gunman, An Island, Jars, Vitamin R (Leading Us Along), Closure, Rivers, Joyride (Omen), Face to the Floor, Still Running, I Get It, Door to Door Cannibals, Hats Off to the Bull, The Red, Comfortable Liar, Send the Pain Below
As the weather turned fall-like on Day 9 of the Great NY State Fair on Thursday, August 31, country music’s Leann Rimes took to the stage and welcomed both the cooler weather and the crowd that braved the elements as they sat huddled in hoodies, sweaters, and blankets. Beginning her set with a bluesy tune called “Love Line,” it was apparent her powerful vocals could make every genre of music sound amazing.
Leann Rimes is a multiple award winning musician, collecting awards from the Academy of Country Music, American Music Awards, Country Music Association, and Country Music Television, to name a few, however she’s probably best known as the youngest to win a Grammy with her rendition of Bill Mack’s song, “Blue.” Although the song was to be recorded by Patsy Cline, it never was to be and although it did go on to be recorded by others, it would be Leann Rimes to make the song a top ten hit for Bill Mack. Rimes is often compared to Patsy Cline as they both share a similar soprano vocal style. She was asked to honor Patsy Cline a few years ago with a melody of Patsy’s hits, which she once again performed for fair goers last evening to their happy approval.
With an eclectic mix of both old and new tunes performed throughout the evening, Leann wowed the crowd and warmed them up one-by-one with her most amazing vocals all night long, ending the evening with a tribute to those victims in Texas singing Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” Although Leann Rimes is best known for her number “Blue,” I can guarantee you that not one fan left last night in that state of mind.
Setlist: Love Line, Nothin Better To Do, One Way Ticket/Fast Car, Blue, Patsy Cline Medley, I Need You, Love Is Love, How Do I Live?, Commitment, Long Live Love, Bottle Let Me Down, What I Cannot Change, Life Goes On, Can’t Fight the Moonlight, Summertime
The 2017 NYS Fair opened its gates Wednesday, August 23, and aside from the food, music, especially local, is arguably the biggest attraction at the New York State Fair. The main stage acts at Lakeview Amphitheater and Chevy Court draw the most attention, but if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find a plethora of acts across the fairgrounds. From the various pavilions to the bars that set up camp at the fair, there is music of all types to be found.
The Empire Experience Stage features live performances three times a day, free with fair admission. The complete 13 day schedule can be found here.
Among the acts performing at the Empire Experience Stage are several tribute bands (Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Dave Matthews Band, Jimmy Buffet, Rush, David Bowie, AC/DC, the Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd and Sublime); Latin music featuring Edgar Pagan’s Grupo Pagan, Alex Torres and his Latin Orchestra, Orquesta La Muralla, Afrikan2 and BombaRoc along with local polka legends, Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame honorees and SAMMY Hall of Fame inductees, Fritz’s Polka Band.
Aug. 28-31 features several original local acts presented by local rock station 95X. Oneonta’s Baked Potatoes kicks off the series Aug. 28 at 4 p.m., followed by Utica-area act Our Common Roots at 6:30 p.m. The Black River closes out the stage at 8:30 p.m.
Other artists included in the local showcase at the Empire Experience Stage include Oswego’s Ethernauts (Aug. 29 at 4 p.m.) along with Syracuse’s Professional Victims (Aug. 29 at 6:30 p.m.), Spring Street Family Band (Aug. 29 at 8:30 p.m.), Ahnest! (Aug. 30 at 4 p.m.), Townhouse Warrior (Aug. 30 at 6:30 p.m.), Toronto’s Bleeker (Aug. 30 at 8:30 p.m.), Mattydale Music Collective (Aug. 31 at 4:30 p.m.), Stacy White Suite (Aug. 31 at 6:30 p.m.) and Barroom Philosophers (Aug. 31 at 8:30 p.m.). Barroom Philosophers will also be performing at the West End Bar & Grille at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 3. SAMMY Award recipients, Americana band the Ripcords will also be performing the Empire Experience Stage (Sept. 1 at 4 p.m.).
In addition to the Empire Experience, there are several other stages to take in live music. The Pan-African Village is a cooperative effort between the NAACP and the New York State Fair. The village highlights New York’s African-American heritage and features vendors and performers with African and Caribbean roots. Performances are held several times per day throughout the fair’s run. Featured performers at the Pan-African stage include SAMMY Award Winner Bobby Green (Aug. 25 at 8 p.m), Matte Mase (Aug. 26 at 3:30 p.m.), Tanksley with two performances (Aug. 26 at 5:30 p.m. and Aug. 28 at 8 p.m.), Modern Mudd (Aug. 26 at 8 p.m.), Five to Life (Aug. 27 at 2 p.m.), Steve Wolf performing twice (Aug. 30 at 6 p.m. and Aug. 31 at 6 p.m.), Colleen Kattau & Dos XX (Sept. 1 at 4 p.m.), Soft Spoken (Sept. 1 at 8 p.m.), Hev’n Ayn and Friends (Sept. 1 at 6 p.m.), Afrikan2 (Sept. 3 at 2 p.m.), and the Brownskin Band (Sept. 4. at 6 p.m.).
Some CNY favorites will take to the Dairyland Stage, appropriately located in the Dairy Building. Artists performing at this mini-stage-in-the-round include Just Joe on Aug. 31 (11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.). Joe will also be performing at the Courtside Grill Aug. 23-27 for two sets each day (12-1:30 p.m and 3:30-5 p.m.) Castle Creek for three half-hour sets on Sept. 2 (11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m.) and Max Scialdone on Sept. 4 (11 a.m., 2 p.m and 5 p.m.).
Several bars take up residency during the fair and many also offer live music. The West End Bar & Grille is a NYS Fair institution. The bar is located just inside of gate six on the west side of the fairgrounds and offers live music every night of the fair. Solvay’s own Rhythm Method brings its blend of metal and classic rock to the West Side twice during the fair (Aug. 24 and Sept. 2, both shows begin at 7:30 p.m.). They will also perform at Bosco’s on Restaurant Row Aug. 28 and 29 at 6:30 p.m.
Syracuse R&B and soul group the Horndogs bring their horn-driven funk to the West Side on Aug. 25 and alt-country musician Steve Cali performs a Sunday set on Aug. 27. Other bands performing the West End include 3 Inch Fury, Brass, Inc., the PEP Band and Kat Tale. All shows at the West End begin at 7:30 p.m.
The Empire Room, one of the fair’s air conditioned venues, will host live music twice per day over the course of the fair’s thirteen day run. Utica-based harmonica player, Matt Lomeo will perform three days with a different partner joining him each day. On Aug. 24, Lomeo will be joined by guitarist Brian Mulkerne. On Aug. 27 Syracuse-based guitarist and leader of Morris and the Hepcats, Morris Tarbell joins Lomeo. Finally, on Aug. 29, Lomeo is accompanied by celebrated jazz saxophonist and pianist, Monk Rowe. All of Lomeo’s appearances at the Empire Room are 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Chris Eves will make two appearances at the Empire Room, one as a solo act on Aug. 25 at 3 p.m. and the other with his band, the New Normal for a Party on the Patio Aug. 27, also at 3 p.m.
Verona-based Opus Black String Quartet brings its unique take on classical meets contemporary to the Empire Room Patio Aug. 30 from 3-7 p.m.
Syracuse legend and SAMMY Hall of Fame inductee, Joe Whiting brings his exciting act to the Empire Room twice. On Aug. 31, Whiting will be joined by guitarist Loren Barrigar at 3 p.m. and hosts a Party on the Patio Sept. 2 at 3 p.m.
The Suds Factory Courtside Grille is yet another spot to catch some hot local talent throughout the fair’s run. Just Joe makes several appearances Aug. 25-27. Utica-area southern rock band the Swamp Drivers, renowned for their arsenal of homemade instruments, perform at the Grille Aug. 25-26. High energy Syracuse hard rock and metal aficionados, Scars n’ Stripes hit the Grille for two sets on Aug. 24 (6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.).
Boonville native Shawn “Big Sexy” Smith, a 2013 contestant on NBC’s The Voice brings his talents to the Grille for two sets Aug. 28 (3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.). Syracuse-area classic rock and blues band The Barndogs perform Aug. 28, 29 and Sept. 3 from 6-11 p.m. and Brian McArdell and Mark Westers perform acoustic classic rock Aug. 30 (12:30 and 3:30 p.m.).
Prior to and following Brett Michaels’ free show at Chevy Court, attendees can take in LaFayette country rockers Country Swagg. The band performs Aug. 30 from 6:30-8 p.m. and again following Michaels’ set. Syracuse funksters Skunk City close out the fair at the Grille Sept. 4 with two sets (4:30 and 9 p.m.). A regular at Funk n’ Waffles Downtown, this eclectic collective is sure to end the 2017 NYS Fair with a groove. For Courtside Grille set times for all of the above musicians and many others click here.
Finally, Bosco’s at the Fair and Shamrock’s host Syracuse-area country workhorses the TJ Sacco Band with both solo and full band performances. Sacco performs solo sets at Shamrock’s Aug. 24, 28, 29 and 30. He’ll be joined at Shamrock’s by the full band on Aug. 26, 27 and Sept. 2 and 3. All performances at Shamrock’s are at 5 p.m. Bosco’s will host the band Aug. 25 (7 p.m.) and Sacco solo Aug. 31 (7 p.m.). Solvay’s eight-piece funk outfit In Too Deep drops the beats at Bosco’s Sept. 2 at 6 p.m.
Bottom line: One can attend the NYS Fair each of its 13 days and spend the entire day taking in nothing but spectacular live local music. Check a few of them out and let them know you appreciate their efforts. They’ll remember it and when they hit the big stage you can brag that you saw them when. Remember, every band was local once.
It’s no surprise that Luke Bryan and FriendsHuntin’, Fishin’, And Lovin’ Every Day Tour sold out the Lakeview Amphitheater this past Saturday, August 12. After all, the star studded tour featured some of today’s best country music with both Craig Campbell and Brett Eldredge along on the ride.
Up first was Craig Campbell who did an amazing job starting the crowd with his smooth country melodies and high energy boot stomping numbers. With hits like “Outskirts of Heaven” and “Keep Those Kisses Coming” his true country sound was the first to jump start this happy crowd.
Up next was crowd favorite, Brett Eldridge. Hailing from the small town of Paris, Illinois this young man is from my neck of the woods in Southern Illinois. It’s been fun watching his career explode with his first hit, “Raymond” in 2010, and his CMA’s New Artist of the Year award in 2014. Since then, it’s been pedal to the medal with hit after hit for this young man with no end near as his momentum just accelerates with each new album. With a full catalog of music to choose from already for the show, Brett entertained this crowd with his boy next door charm and charisma for days the moment he hit the stage.
With a quick set stage change, in no time flat the crowd was able to see the man of the hour, Luke Bryan. Rising to the center of the stage with flames blazing, Luke came out with his number one hit “Move” and the crowd went wild and the rest is history. There is no doubt why Luke Bryan continuously wins Entertainer of the Year from several sources. His personality and charm made the show not only entraining, but down right fun.
Starting off the show by bringing a young boy named Nicholas on stage right from the start, his kindness and way with kids showed through immediately, and with that cute little smile and moves for days, the girls were melting into their seats the moment he looked their way. But don’t get me wrong, Luke Bryan is a man’s man too. With talk of hunting, and fishing, and having a good ole time with his friends and family, he is down right likable to everyone. Where else can someone sing “Sweet Caroline” in a sea of NY Yankee fans and still be shown the love! The show offered concert goers their money’s worth with a long setlist of hit after hit. If you haven’t seen him live yet, I highly suggest you see his show.
If you weren’t at Saturday’s show, don’t fret as he’ll be joining New Yorkers once again on August 24 at CMAC in Canandaigua, August 25 at Darien Center, August 26 at SPAC in Saratoga, and August 27 at Jones Beach in Wantaugh!
Setlist Brett Eldredge: Superhero, Don’t Ya, Somethin’ I’m Good At, Wanna Be That Song, Beat of the Music / Drops of Jupiter, Love Someone, Drunk On Your Love, Long Way Around, Mean To Me, and Lose My Mind
Setlist Luke Bryan and Friends: Move, That’s My Kind of Night, Kick the Dust Up, Rain Is a Good Thing, This Is How We Roll (Florida Georgia Line cover, orig. ft. Bryan), Crash My Party, Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye, I See You, Fast, Drunk on You, Roller Coaster, All My Friends Say, Country Man, Play It Again, Mountain Music (Alabama cover), Sweet Caroline (Neil Diamond cover), Fishin’ in the Dark (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band cover), Strip It Down, Drink a Beer, Huntin’, Fishin’ And Lovin’ Every Day, I Don’t Want This Night to End, Country Girl (Shake It for Me), Paradise City (Guns N’ Roses cover)
As a convoy of tour buses pulled in and parked along the water’s edge at the Lakeview Amphitheater for the fourth show in as many days, they prepared to unload and set up for the final performances of the weekend. A night of Country, Americana and Rock was on tap as the Outlaw Music Festival had arrived in Syracuse and Lakeview was ready to rock the crowd. The top outlaw was the one and only, legendary Mr. Willie Nelson.
Bringing a few of his closest outlaw friends along, the crowd met Nashville newcomer Margo Price as well as rock stars Sheryl Crow and My Morning Jacket. This balmy day was lining up to be one epic sunny Sunday that was soon would become a highlight of this gal’s summer. As the gates opened at 3 pm, the winding line that had extended clear out to the bus drop off area quickly moved this eclectic mix of concertgoers into the venue to find the perfect spot on the lawn or their seats under the pavilion area.
Beginning the evening was Margo Price. This Nashville newcomer was dressed like a true country legend herself in sequins and fringe. As she began to sing, her truly twangy, country voice dazzled the crowd with a classic country style. A bit of a cross between Dolly Parton and Carrie Underwood, it took no time at all to win over the audience and set the stage for those to follow.
Next up was Sheryl Crow. A petite firecracker of a woman, this larger than life musician owned the stage and the audience from the get go. Singing and playing both new music and crowd favorites, she amazed with her unbound energy and talent. Sharing stories about her children, it was obvious that motherhood suits her and completes her life as they ride around this summer on tour with her.
As the sun began to set on Onondaga Lake, My Morning Jacket took the stage. A new band to some and an old favorite to others, I have to admit I was categorized into the first of the two groups and was curious. From the moment Jim James began to sing and the band began to play, I was hooked. Was it the mysterious look he conveyed with his Johnny Cash suit and Ray-Bans, or was it the sultry tonality of his voice that hooked me? A mix of the two, I do believe. Their style and sound is not anything I’m accustomed to, as it doesn’t fit neatly into one genre. This rainbow of tunes melded together to create truly unique music that pulls you in like a Pied Piper. Shooting the first three songs of a set, a photographer generally goes to town to get as many photos during that time frame in order to optimize the chances of capturing a new and unique photo. For me, something different occurred. I found myself lowering my camera throughout the allotted time and capturing the sounds of the moment versus the sights of the moment. Perhaps MMJ was considered a new band to me originally, but I definitely left considering them an old favorite.
Finally, the main outlaw that everyone was there to see was taking the festival stage at Lakeview. Arriving to a standing ovation, it was beautiful to see how Willie is so loved by young and old. This man’s music spans generations and represents special moments in so many lives over the decades, including mine. Living in the moment must be a way of life for Willie; he just celebrated his 84th birthday this year. Taking the stage is a family affair as he was joined by his son, little sister and friends and band mates for years. He did not skip a beat and his playing skills were beyond impressive. As he strummed tune after tune on the beat up autographed guitar he’s had forever, you could only wish this well worn and loved instrument could tell us the stories it’s witnessed over the years!
Throughout the night, Willie played hit song after song. Whether it was hits of his own or covers from others, the crowd could not get enough. Included in this set was Hoagy Carmichael’s “Georgia On My Mind,” Willie’s tunes “Whiskey River,” “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground” and, of course, the crowd’s favorite tune that he wrote together with Merle Haggard,”It’s All Going to Pot.” It was easy to sing along with Willie to songs such as Toby Keith’s “Beer For My Horses” or Hank Williams’ “Hey Good Looking,” “Jambalaya” and “Move It On Over.” Patiently awaiting and hoping to hear my favorite, Willie didn’t disappoint as he played Brenda Lee’s “Always On My Mind.” Speaking for most, I can remember times associated with these songs and I took this trip back together with Willie as he performed them all.
Closing out the weekend of Outlaw Festival events at the Lakeview Amphitheater, it was a definitely a treat to check off a bucket list item in seeing Willie Nelson in person. Add the opportunity to see all three opening acts along side Willie and, yes, I definitely felt like I won a musical lottery.
Deadrider is a heavy metal and thrash inspired group containing the talents of John V Bustos (lead singer/lead guitar), Antonio Labbe (drums), Michael V Visconti (guitar and backing vocals) and Mike Losert (bass). If you go to the local shows in the area, I bet you will meet these rocking dudes! With so many great influences on the album from the late 80s and early 90s, the best track that encompasses these elements would be the track. “Heavy Metal Deadride.” With amazing guitar work with searing guitar solos from both Bustos and Visconti , your ear will pick up the how the track is deeply rooted into bands like Anvil and early Iron Maiden days. With a dangerous cocktail of power and aggression, this jam becomes a whiplash worthy type of track; prepare for bangovers! The melodies are infused with g-force speed and allows this piece to come alive. It will eat you up! The vocals will create a fire in your blood as if it was your last ride. Ready for their last ride and hot damn it makes it addicting. With such speed you can see this element on other tracks on the release like “Brainwashed” to keep you windmilling for days.
Up first was Craig Campbell who did an amazing job starting the crowd with his smooth country melodies and high energy boot stomping numbers. With hits like “Outskirts of Heaven” and “Keep Those Kisses Coming” his true country sound was the first to jump start this happy crowd.
Up next was crowd favorite, Brett Eldridge. Hailing from the small town of Paris, Illinois this young man is from my neck of the woods in Southern Illinois. It’s been fun watching his career explode with his first hit, “Raymond” in 2010, and his CMA’s New Artist of the Year award in 2014. Since then, it’s been pedal to the medal with hit after hit for this young man with no end near as his momentum just accelerates with each new album. With a full catalog of music to choose from already for the show, Brett entertained this crowd with his boy next door charm and charisma for days the moment he hit the stage.
Starting off the show by bringing a young boy named Nicholas on stage right from the start, his kindness and way with kids showed through immediately, and with that cute little smile and moves for days, the girls were melting into their seats the moment he looked their way. But don’t get me wrong, Luke Bryan is a man’s man too. With talk of hunting, and fishing, and having a good ole time with his friends and family, he is down right likable to everyone. Where else can someone sing “Sweet Caroline” in a sea of NY Yankee fans and still be shown the love! The show offered concert goers their money’s worth with a long setlist of hit after hit. If you haven’t seen him live yet, I highly suggest you see his show.
Bringing a few of his closest outlaw friends along, the crowd met Nashville newcomer