NYS Music 20​17

Category: Regions

  • Hearing Aide: Suffocation ‘…Of The Dark Light’

    We all have heard of the many wonders of New York City. From the beautiful architecture of the towering skyscrapers to the world famous restaurants for those who desire nothing but the best in taste bud stimulation. But beneath the beauty of this majestic place lurks something ugly, distorted, and heavy; death metal! N.Y. has always been a generator of some of the best death metal bands since the birth of the genre. From bands like Immolation and Mortician, this city bleeds for it’s death metal community.  Now with the release of Suffocation’s latest blistering piece, ….of The Dark Light, it shows NYDM will never die!

    Suffocation Of The Dark Light…Of The Dark Light (via Nuclear Blast)  is the eighth studio album from the NYDM legends. This is a long awaited follow-up from the band’s crushing 2013’s album Pinnacle of Bedlam (via Nuclear Records). Recorded at Full Force Studio with the expertise of Joe Cinecotta, you can bet those walls were rattling like a crazy mother from those devastating sonic assaults. Just by looking at the magnificent artwork cover by Collin Mark, the design will catch your attention. It features a beautiful humanoid in a dark blacken blue abyss, slowly becoming one with the unknown. You can just feel the hairs stand on end when you look at this artwork, knowing it will be one hell of a journey. The album starts off on a highly aggressive and technical foot with the track “Clarity Through Deprivation.” You can hear the quick precision from both Terrance Hobbs and Charlie Errigo finger work all across this sonic barrage!  It proves the young bands still can learn a few things from their death metal ancestors in perfect timing and song construction.
    Like most old-school death metal fans, I need some deadly grooves to get my rotten corpse moving in the pit. Lucky for us, groove is not forgotten on this little gem! We have the track ‘Return To The Abyss’ to have you breaking some bones. This song is powered by the blood, sweat, and sacrifices of Eric Morotti (drums) and Derek Boyer (Bass) with their enriched flavor of rhythmic sauce! From the very start to the dreadful end, the track will make your neck muscles spasm and will cause one hell of a head rush. Prepare that icepack after blasting this beast!
    Frank Mullen’s vocals are still more intense and demonic than any singer I know in the death metal genre. His vocals all over this album are perfectly executed with so much testosterone and energy, especially on the tracks “…Of The Dark Light” and “Return To The Abyss,”  it will melt your face so much that even Leatherface will need a backup!
    With the legends in extreme metal going strong like Obituary, Cannibal Corpse, and Dying Fetus still vomitting out great albums, death metal will never die! I give this album 5 tombstones out of 5. Check out the band on tour right now and pick up this album at your local store or buy it through the official band site and to check out the tour dates for a show by you!
    Key Tracks: Clarity Through Deprivation, Your Last Breaths, …Of The Dark Light

  • Ween Perform New Cover, Rarities and Fan Favorites at The Waterfront in Maine

    On Saturday, June 10, Pennsylvania rock outfit Ween brought their unique brand of hard rock to the scenic waterfront at Thompson’s Point in Portland, Maine. Early on, fans were delighted to hear the high-energy funk anthem “Monique the Freak” for only the second time since their reunion after a four-year hiatus. Soon after, an eager crowd was treated to a slowed down, jazzy version of “Take Me Away,” complete with a walking bassline and an extended talk box intro. Fans were also ecstatic to hear the sultry “Your Party,” as the entire audience sang the chorus in unison.

    A post shared by GIGART (@gigartsf) on

    Gene brought out a megaphone to alter his voice on several occasions, most notably during the trudging, creepy classic “Poop Ship Destroyer.” Fan favorite “Ocean Man” featured Gene Ween on mandolin, accompanying Dean on guitar, and Gene displayed his wide range with the crowd-pleasing “Push Th’ Little Daisies.” Ween surprised the audience with a cover of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young’s 1970’s protest song, “Ohio,” for the first time, which allowed singer Gene Ween to showcase his impressive vocal range once again.

    Nearing the end of their set, they played a nearly ten-minute rendition of the punky “I’ll Be Your Johnny on the Spot” that featured a long, patient jam before eventually dropping back into the last chorus. Ween then ended their set with the ethereal “Demon Sweat” before returning to the stage for a lengthy three-song encore. For their encore, they played their oft-covered hit, “Roses are Free” before the scorching, anthemic “Buckingham Green.” They then performed an extended version of the mellow, titular track from “The Mollusk” before bidding the crowd farewell, until next time.

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    Setlist (courtesy of Brownbase):
    Marble Tulip Juicy Tree, Happy Colored Marbles, Bananas and Blow, Monique the Freak, Never Squeal, Fat Lenny> Cold and Wet, The Stallion pt 1, I Gots a Weasel, Your Party, Poopship Destroyer, Take Me Away, Wayne’s Pet Youngin, Seconds, Ocean Man, Even If You Don’t, I’ll Be Your Jonny on the Spot, I Got to Put the Hammer Down, She Fucks Me, Push th’ Little Daisies, Ohio, Big Jilm, Demon Sweat
    Encore: Roses Are Free, Buckingham Green, The Mollusk

  • Average White Band Brings the Good Times to Albany

    This weekend marked the second week of the Alive at 5 concert series in Albany. This weeks headliner happened to be Average White Band much known for their songs “Pick Up The Pieces” and “Cut The Cake.” They are regarded as one of the best soul and funk bands of all time.

    average white bandDespite a short period of rain, the crowd toughed it out and was a great attendance. Albany’s Victory Soul Orchestra an up and coming band opened up for the funk legends leaving a great impression at the summer concert series.

    average white bandNext week’s Alive at 5 is bringing in Hip-Hop icons Naughty By Nature along with JB aka Dirty Moses, DJ Trumastr and Paul Nice. For the full Alive at 5 schedule click here.

    average white band

  • 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

  • 2017 NBT Bank Summer Concert Series in Norwich Announced

    NBT Bank summer concert series in Norwich will see a diverse mix of genres during this years lineup, every Thursday night during the months of July and August. These free shows will see a mix of Grammy winners/nominees, and young up and coming artists.

    Hartford, CT area band, McLovins, will kick off the summer festivities in Norwich’s East Side Park on July 6, at 7pm with a block party. Rotary Club will be serving free hotdogs, while the Norwich Cheer Team, will be serving free ice cream by Gilligan’s, along with other treats.

    The 2017 lineup will also consist of Grammy nominated blues artist Kenny Neal. Neal was nominated for Best Contemporary Blues Album, for his 2016 release Bloodline. Grammy nominated guitarist, singer/songwriter Bill Kirchen. In 2002, Kirchen was inducted into the Washington D.C Area Music Association Hall of Fame along with Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters/Nirvana). Two time Grammy award winner Terrance Simien will close out the summer series on Aug.31. His band, Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience Band have toured in more than 45 countries and performed over 7000 shows in their 30 plus year career.

    Rain will not stop performers from taking the stage, as Chenango County Council of the Arts Auditorium in Norwich will serve as the rain location if inclement weather happens.

    The event is brought to you by the Chenango Blues Association with support from corporate sponsor NBT Bank. Grants from the Greater Norwich Foundation and the R.C. Smith Foundation were also provided. The program is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, administered by the Chenango County Council of the Arts, with support by Governor Andrew Cuomo, and the New York State Legislature.

    NBT Bank Summer Concert Series Lineup:

    July 6 – McLovins
    July 13 – John Brown’s Body
    July 20 – Kenny Neal
    July 27 – Dangermuffin
    Aug 3 – Bill Kirchen
    Aug 10 – Vanessa Collier Band
    Aug 17 – Honey Island Swamp Band
    Aug 24 – Billy Strings
    Aug 31 – Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience Band

  • Saranac Jams Lineup Includes Taking Back Sunday, Dark Star Orchestra, Dirty Heads, Get The Led Out

    Saranac Brewery has booked some exciting jams and shows this summer. American Reggae bands Dirty Heads and SOJA will be taking the stage on Tuesday, June 20. Zeppelin tribute band Get the Led Out will perform Friday, July 21. Grateful Dead tribute band Dark Star Orchestra will be playing on Tuesday, Aug. 1. Alternative rockers Taking Back Sunday are slated to play alongside Every Time I Die and All Get Out on Friday, Aug. 18.

    Saranac Jams

    Saranac Brewery, located at 830 Varick Street in Utica, offers summer music events, a tavern on site, tours, and a gift shop. See the website for more information and hours of operation.

    Saranac Jams Lineup

    June 20 – Dirty Heads & Soja with the Green, RDGLDGRN
    July 21 – Get The Led Out
    Aug. 1 – Dark Star Orchestra
    Aug. 18 – Taking Back Sunday with Every Time I Die, All Get Out

  • 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.

  • Getting Weird at the 15th Strangecreek Campout

    Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend bookend the festival season, meaning many northeasterners start and end their summers at Camp Kee-Wanee in Greenfield, Mass., for the 15th Strangecreek and Wormtown Campouts.

    strangecreekLast week was the 15th annual Strangecreek, and the vibe was very focused around the family that had been built up over the years. Camp Kee-Wanee is the perfect spot to host this festival, with a picturesque green landscape that leads into the forest, which is cut in half by a stream running through the creek. The late night cabins make it as fun for ragers as all the kid friendly activities make it perfect for families.

    The four-day fete spanned May 26 to 29 and was a hit to everyone in attendance. Aside from the rain over the first two days, the festival went off without issue, and by the time the music was done late on Sunday night, everyone was left with ear-to-ear smiles.

    I wasn’t able to arrive until Friday evening, just as Consider the Source was soaring on the main stage. Prior to that, David Gans’ tribute to the Grateful Dead’s Ron “Pigpen” McKernan had fans singing the type of blues that only Pigpen could sing. Rebel Alliance and Relative Souls were prior.

    At 7:30 p.m., Shakedown took over the Vernville stage to play 90 minutes of the way they interpret the Grateful Dead. It was a very nice and relaxing way to segue back to the mainstage, where headliner Badfish brought the sunny spirit of Sublime to Strangecreek. It was a welcomed surprise to boogie down to one of my favorite bands from my teenage years.

    A few minutes before 11, I caught the tail end of Western Mass. group The Alchemystics and their genre melding blend of funk and hip hop.

    In the Keewanee Cabin, Tweed jammed, and jammed and jammed until the early morning hours, before Skeleton Keys brought a new spin on Grateful Dead music, using two pianos to interpret the legendary catalog. West End Blend and Bella’s Bartok were the late night acts at the Wormtown Cabin.

    After some late night campground shenanigans, I turned in to my tent and took a much needed rest. The cool mountain air, paired with a quiet camping area, made it easy to fall and stay asleep.

    The morning started with a delicious smoothie from the Solar Cafe and a bacon, egg and cheese from an independent vendor. By the time I got to the Vernville stage, Desert Rain was wrapping up, so I wandered to the Riverworm stage, nestled in the woods, to check out Rhythmic Circus, who were the perfect complement to the fair weather.

    A friend messaged me and told me not to miss The Broadcast, a three-piece group that played the main stage at 3 p.m. They brought a sort of straightforward approach to rock and roll, but mixed in some fiery soloing.

    Big Mean Sound Machine, The Fritz and Ryan Montbleau were up next, before a dinner break to get ready for the band I come to see every year: Max Creek.

    The four-piece band has been around since the late 1960s, and continues to innovate in the jam scene. Guitarist Scott Murawski has been playing a lot with Phish bassist Mike Gordon in recent years, and the duo’s partnership and style showed a lot during the show. Max Creek, years ago, sometimes felt like it was Murawski soloing over chord progressions, but this show featured a lot more in the ways of subtle rhythm shifts and deep grooves, which is similar to what he does with Gordon. And not to be forgotten is the Dead’s spirit, which is tattooed all over Max Creek’s live sets.

    Shakedown and Zach Deputy rocked the Wormtown late night cabin, and Keepers of the Vibe and the Z3 held down Kewanee.

    Sunday morning is what I’ve been looking to for a while. New York based group Cousin Earth was opening the Riverworm stage at 10:30 a.m. to bring their super unique, sometimes quirky and all-the-time fun and intricate music to Strangecreek for the first time. The five-piece band featured Joey Calfa on electric ukulele, Corey J. Feldman on a bass the size of a ukulele, Terry Brennan on vocals and percussion, Nate Searing on drums and Tara Lawton on vocals and melodica. They bring a Broadway vibe to rock and roll, and add in memories from your childhood, such as playing the Animaniacs theme song, or performing a video game medley. All in all, Cousin Earth was the most energizing set of the weekend, and I urge you to catch this band any chance you get.

    The Rev Tor Band and Hayley Jane and the Primates performed on the main stage, before Bella’s Bartok took another shot at the crowd. Bella’s Bartok is quite unique, with an indy rock feel and also a singalong sort of vibe. At one point, their singer sang a song while on an inflatable couch that the crowd was making surf.

    The Talking Dreads and Annie in the Water had the Vernville stage hopping, while Steal Your Peach brought the river to life.

    Eric Krasno of Soulive played a set with his solo band on the main stage right around the time people were learning that Gregg Allman had passed away.

    Zach Deputy, Pink Talking Fish and Pink Floyd tribute The Machine closed out the festival in grand fashion. Pink Talking Fish’s set consisted of all Phish material, adding another layer to the weekend.

    From September 15 to 17 at Kee-Wanee is Wormtown, which is put on by the same people. Melvin Seals and JGB and Max Creek are the headliners. You should really plan on attending if you want to experience one of the most amazing and laid back festivals in the country.

  • Phoenix Rises From Red Ashes at Red Rocks

    There are certain things in life that move you in the most harmonious manner, that it sends chills down your spine. Phoenix was the cause of that exact sensation on a splendid and spectacular evening at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in colorful Colorado on Wednesday, June 7. The night was simply captivating, as giant natural rock formations surround you at this outside venue. An occasion like this should definitely be on a bucket list for those of you who have not had the chance to experience such an event at this magical place.

    phoenix red rocksThe night started off with an energetic group called The Lemon Twigs, who demonstrated their capacity to jam all while rocking funky outfits and made the crowd pop with extreme intrigue and positive responses. The audience slowly filled the arena and nature’s light began to dim. As their performance came to a close, boulders as crimson as can be started to glow underneath the moonlight in the background, and Miike Snow entered the stage not too long after that. As a Swedish indie pop band, they incorporated a sense of synthpop and alternative dance flare and gave fans a sweet taste for what’s to come next.

    Everyone was fooled that night; what was once a clear starry night moments before, took a turn for what was least expected. When it rains, it pours. However, the heaviest of downpours and even slight hail that evening surely didn’t stop the crowd from going wild. The weather gods somehow knew Phoenix was about to perform and it almost seemed like the rain was a grand opening display before an incredibly riveting performance. This French ensemble conquered the stage while standing on a giant LED platform and created a tantalizing memory to store in everyone’s minds. Thomas Mars soothed the surroundings with his vocals, Christian Mazzalai rocked on guitar, Deck d’Arcy on bass and keyboards, and Laurent Brancowitz on guitar and keyboards. The group included their touring members Robin Coudert on keyboards and percussion, as well as Thomas Hedlund on drums and percussion.

    This group’s style has developed over time only to create distinct soundwaves that hit one’s pleasure centers even more. Flavors of synth pop, alternative rock, and new wave filled the atmosphere all while including the French language in some of their masterpieces. This particular show at Red Rocks was actually the last one before they released their newest album, Ti Amo, which is now available for all to listen. It holds a unique and upbeat essence that puts the move in groove. They performed a couple fresh tunes off the new album such as “J-Boy” and “Ti Amo” as well. Certain underlying musical elements are discovered in the back beats of their songs. Other oldies magically graced the air including “If I Ever Feel Better,” “Lasso,” “Girlfriend,” “Trying to be Cool,” “Fences,” “Lisztomania” and “1901.”

    At the end of the performance, Thomas Mars of Phoenix entered the Red Rocks crowd as a personal closing of the night and shared that special moment with everyone around. ‘Twas a heart-warming and sincere performance with a sprinkle of friendliness. Phoenix rose and thus vanished into the night after wooing the crowd with their delectable sound.

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