NYS Music 20​17

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  • Intrepid Travelers Drop First Leg of Summer 2017 ‘Everyday is Your Birthday’ Tour Ahead of Summer Camp Festival

    With a name based around the ideology of fearlessly hitting the road and even other dimensions, Intrepid Travelers have set their sights on their latest voyage– the first leg of their Summer 2017 Everyday is Your Birthday tour. With a stacked, 20-date tour launch, the Buffalo-based quartet of Donny Frauenhofer (vocals/keyboards), Brian Calisto (vocals/guitar), David Naimanis (vocals/bass) and Jon Fohl (vocals/drums) will kick off at Summer Camp Festival in Illinois and bring the birthday celebration mentality through the midwest and back home to the Empire State.

    IT will tackle notable gigs in the very near future, with their first summer tour date doubling as a Sunday, 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Camping Stage festival slot at this weekend’s Summer Camp. From there, the funky, psychedelic rockers will bring their explosive improvisation, stockpile of musical elements and interwoven catalog, to the second annual IT Fest in Alden, NY from June 9-10. Last year, fans were delighted with three IT sets–one of those being a full cover of MGMT’s Oracular Spectacular from front to back.

    After notching their very own second festival, the group will keep the celebrations going at Woodhenge Music Festival for a weekend of sustainability-centered workshops and solar powered music. Fellow NYS 87/90 bands sit on the bill such as headliners Formula 5, as well as Boogie Low and Space Carnival. The boys will head to familiar territory at Buffalo Iron Works on June 29 for an official, Everyday is Your Birthday EP release party, giving them one specific night to relish in praises of their latest accomplishments. Among their summer tour dates and the peppered festival stops throughout, Intrepid Travelers have tacked an electric and acoustic set at Rochester’s Three Head’s Brewing as well as a set at Cobblestone Live! Festival in Buffalo onto the end of leg one, giving an abundance of veteran and potential fans a chance to see their receptive musical relationship.

    Through eclectic musicianship, stellar improvisation and quick evolution through an evident jazz-funk fusion outer shell, nods to reggae, bluegrass, classical and electronic tendencies by Intrepid Travelers are sure to take you through a cerebral journey of your very own.

    Summer 2017 Everyday is Your Birthday Tour Dates:

    5/28 – Chillicothe, IL – Summer Camp Music Festival
    6/9-10 – Alden, NY – IT Fest II
    6/24 – Adams, NY – Woodhenge Music Festival
    6/29 – Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Iron Works **EP Release Party**
    6/30 – Canton, OH – Royal Dock’s Brewery
    7/1 – New Philadelphia, OH – Bud and Tootie’s
    7/2 – Greenwood, IN – That Place
    7/3 – Louisville, KY – Magnolia Bar
    7/5 – Lawrence, KA – The Bottleneck
    7/6 – Cedar Rapids, IA – Dick’s Tap & Shake
    7/7 – Racine, WI – George’s Tavern
    7/8 – TBA
    7/9 – Madison, WI – The Wisco
    7/11 – Ann Arbor, MI – Club Above
    7/12 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Tavern
    7/13 – TBA
    7/14 – Youngstown, OH – Suzie’s Dogs Drafts
    7/15 – Rochester, NY – Three Heads Brewing ** Acoustic and Electric Set**
    7/16 – Buffalo, NY – Cobblestone Live! Festival

  • ‘Ambitious’ Festival Planned for ASO Maestro

    The Albany Symphony plans to conclude David Alan Miller’s 25th anniversary season with an “ambitious” arrangement for this year’s American Music Festival.

    david alan miller directorThe American Music Festival includes more than 15 concerts and events between Wednesday, May 31 and Sunday, June 4.

    The 2017 American Music Festival will be the our most ambitious and exciting festival yet,” said Albany Symphony Orchestra’s Music Director David Alan Miller. “It will celebrate the uniqueness of our Capital Region as the gateway to the Erie Canal, as we prepare to kick off the Erie Canal Bicentennial with our magnificent orchestral barge trip from Albany to Buffalo during the first week of July. Even more, it will celebrate the magnificent diversity and richness of living American composers and their music through a myriad of extraordinary and diverse concerts and related activities. We hope our friends and music lovers everywhere will join us for lots of the events to experience the incredible breadth of contemporary musical art being created today. It’s so much fun to just hang out with us and with all our amazing featured creative artists all weekend long.

    This year’s festival, “Water Music,” will include more than 40 new works, including compositions by 2016 Grammy Award-winning composer Michael Daugherty, Christopher Theofanidis, Reena Esmail, Viet Cuong, Saad Haddad, and winners of the “Composer to Center Stage Reading Session” call-for-scores competition.

    Many of the works amplify the festival’s theme, which celebrates the waters that surround us, and advance the ASO’s mission of giving voice to innovative new works, with a particular emphasis on young and emerging composers. Viet Cuong’s newly commissioned work, which will be premiered by the ASO’s new music ensemble, Dogs of Desire, is a programmatic concerto for the percussion quartet inspired by the limitless power of wind, water, and sun, and the technologies that are transforming the way communities generate sustainable energy. Cuong’s premiere is part of the ASO’s continuing partnership with GE Renewable Energy to explore the ways in which the arts, business, and technology can intersect and influence each other.

    In addition to the Dogs of Desire performance on Friday, June 2 and the full orchestra’s signature festival concert on Saturday, June 3, Festival highlights include 16 world premiere performances, “This Land Sings,” a song-cycle by Michael Daugherty inspired by the life and times of Woody Guthrie, a recital by Sandbox Percussion, and the Argus Quartet, performing works by Christopher Theofanidis and Sleeping Giant’s Rob Honstein and Chris Cerrone. T

    The festival will also feature a special preview concert of seven newly commissioned works for “Water Music NY,” the orchestra’s seven-day barge tour and cross-cultural celebration of the bicentennial of New York’s Erie Canal to take place from July 2 to July 8 across New York state. Community events beyond the concert hall include a guided River Walk with the Rensselaer County Historical Society, and a curated poetry reading at Troy Kitchen.

    For information, including how to purchase tickets and festival passes to the American Music Festival, visit albanysymphony.com or call the Albany Symphony Box Office at (518) 694-3300.

    This article was originally published by The Spot 518. is property of Spotlight Newspapers in Albany, N.Y., and appears as a special to NYS Music. TheSpot518 and NYS Music work in partnership to provide readers with in-depth coverage on the local music scene in the Capital District and New York state, respectively. For more, visit TheSpot518.com.

  • Driftwood Takes The Stage At FTC StageOne

    Groups Driftwood and Seth Walker hit FTC StageOne in Fairfield, Connecticut Friday, May 19, and left with quite the bang. Both acts were polished, and the energy that each group brought was high and captivating. The venue in which the show was held was small and quaint, with a smaller stage and crowd the night of the performance. The acoustics were phenomenal, and the size made the performances personal and intimate.

    driftwood FTC StageOne

    Seth Walker, the opening act, set the tone for the night with positive energy and dedication to his performance. Despite the small venue, front man Seth Walker and his band commanded the stage with loud presence and loud sound, their melodies washing over the entire crowd. The crowd seemed heavily interested and entertained by the music this group brought to the table. Walker referred to the crowd as “small, but mighty” between songs.

    Walker was in tune with the instrumentalists he played along with, watching them solo and announcing their names and instruments after they finished. The stage presence of this group was sharp, and it kept the crowd interested. The group as a whole was highly interactive, able to talk and feed off of one another’s melodies and vibes during their set. Bassist Myles Weeks harmonized with Seth Walker on multiple songs, adding depth and flavor to the sound. Seth Walker’s set as a whole held a good amount of variety, ranging from bluesy, jazz bangers to soft, folk songs with country twang. The instrumental aspect of music is held on a high appreciation in both the Seth Walker Band and Driftwood. Walker, though a primarily jazz musician, has his fair share of folk music. The blend of tunes he chose to showcase was complimentary to Driftwood, making Walker a successful and suitable opening act.

    After Walker cleared the stage, only a short period of time passed before Driftwood took the stage, sound checking their instruments and setting up their equipment. They were quick and efficient in the process, and soon enough, they were introducing themselves and performing their first song. Bassist Joey Arcuri was unable to make it that evening, and due to the sudden setback, the group was forced to change their set around. It consisted mostly of their slower tunes, but the set still featured sound variety. It was clean, polished, and performed as if there was never a set back to be had.

    Violinist and vocalist Claire Byrne revealed to the crowd that the group was once a trio after addressing the absence of the groups bassist, and interacted with the crowd often throughout the night, encouraging their participation with the music being played. Byrne  encouraged clapping and snapping on a number of songs, and was featured as a soloist on many numbers. Driftwood was personable, courteous to the crowd, and spoke amongst themselves naturally. The stage chemistry between the band was phenomenal, as well as the chemistry between the band and crowd.

    Their music was well-rehearsed, and the intonation and dynamics of this group were amazing. Their harmonies were crisp and well-balanced with the instrumentals. Dan Forsyth and Joe Kollar were attentive to Claire’s solo sections, and even had solos of their own. The group left the crowd smiling and singing along, even requesting an encore. Driftwood ended the evening on a high note, and those who traveled to see them play did not leave disappointed.

  • Brad Paisely Opens Saratoga Performing Art Center’s Summer Concert Series

    Brad Paisely kicked off Saratoga Performing Art Center’s (SPAC) summer concert series with a bang, bringing an all-star line up of guests. Paisley played his array of songs to a crowd of over 10,000. He brought his incredible guitar capabilities that left the crowd on their toes.

    brad paisley SPACCountry stars such as Dustin Lynch, Chase Bryant and Lindsay Ell supported Paisely on the tour giving the fans a bang for their buck. After Lindsay Ell ended her set, a huge storm made its way to the venue  which then forced them to shut down all equipment and bring everyone on the lawn inside for shelter. After an hour delay, Chase Bryant quickly came on to get the crowd back on their feet.

    brad paisley SPACBrad Paisely came on at SPAC shortly after 10 pm, playing his hit songs such as “Crushin’ It” and “Old Alabama.” Paisely then welcomed Dustin Lynch on stage to sing a duet for the song “I’m Still A Guy.” During that song, a fan was brought on stage to propose to his girlfriend and she said yes. Paisely was very happy with the first show of the tour telling the crowd, “I can’t tell you how much it means to be playing in a place where my favorite jam bands played for a bunch of stoners.”

    brad paisley SPACbrad paisley SPAC

  • Hearing Aide: Let’s Be Leonard ‘Live at Gugs’

    After planting their musical seed in Saratoga Springs, Let’s Be Leonard sprouted rather quickly into a jam-jazz fusion powerhouse with all intentions of climbing the jam community ladder. Just a few short years after their formation and quitting their jobs, they’ve become a prized outfit in the Capital Region and beyond. Following the debut of their 2015 debut Cow., LBL put forth four live recordings on Bandcamp, this time, releasing the fifth, Live at Gugs in Glens Falls.

    The 5-piece, led by Karl Bertrand (vocals and rhythm guitar), Matt Griffin (guitar), Connor Dunn (saxophone), Chris Cronin (bass) and Paul Guay,
    (drums) took on their Thursday night gig at Gugs on March, 23.      The 14-track live recording displays the group’s organic and majestic improvisations, whether they’re taking it slow and steady with poppy lyrics and sing-a-long choruses or bringing back the blues with suave, seductive saxophone solos.

    The gathering at Gugs was treated to a debut opener of “Spit it Out,” a fresh track with buttery-smooth jazz from start to finish and soft vocals to match. “Kindergarten Blues” follows as a well-known LBL track off of Cow. If you’re a previous fan, you’ve probably heard the blues-referenced track, as well as “Frisbee,” the third execution of the night, on radio stations like WEQX. The back-to-back hits ended with attention honed in on Dunne’s tickling of the saxophone, a busted drum pedal and verbal rant by Mike Rios. “Jump Ship” comes next with a switch-up in musical approach. Vocals take precedence in this easily accepted track with a story to tell, while the band acts as support on this Bertrand-led venture.

    In relation to their debut album, Bertrand described them as “generated by feelings you have at the best time in your life: childhood.” It’s safe to say that the material played at Gugs drew from that same care-free mentality. Other highlights of the night include a blues-heavy “Young Sprite,” which bears a slight, yet pleasant sounding comparison to the Dead’s “Sugaree” at moments, as well as unmistakable insight to the groups comfort with one another and stage banter, regardless of the time span they’ve officially been Let’s Be Leonard. If all that wasn’t enough to be wrapped around their fingers, the sensationally executed guitar solos mark a personal favorite milestone in the set.

    A surprise “Brad Paisley” cover ended the night with unconventional onstage vocal motif between the guys, extremely comparable to Phish’s “David Bowie.” All members repeatedly sing and spew out the country star’s name over and over in a mimicked care-free manner as the jam icons. The light-hearted song acted as an engaging way to close out a set that was so obviously and mutually enjoyed by band members and the crowd alike.

    While Saratoga Springs is no stranger to celebrity strolls down in its perfect weekend-visit city with SPAC just round the corner, it’s hard for residents not to get excited when Brad Paisley is spotted in a local coffee shop. In town for his summer show at SPAC, a local mentioned the group’s own “Brad Paisley.” I wonder if he ever found his way to track of his namesake.

    Bertrand and company recently snagged a headlining spot for Glenn’s Falls 2nd annual GEM Festival held on July 29 and sits among local artists on the newly announced trio of Sunday afternoon concerts on SPAC’s gazebo stage. From their youngest hours as a group, they’ve gained fast and hard earned notoriety. With signing on as one of the founding bands on NYS Music 87/90, it’s safe to say things will keep moving with the same onward energy and hunger to get their next gig booked and festival played.

    Key tracks: Spit it Out, Young Sprite, Brad Paisley

    Live at Gug’s Set list:

    Spit It Out,  Kindergarten Blues,  Frisbee, Jump Ship, “Salvation”, Balloons, Most Days > How Do You Fall In Love?, Open Your Eyes,  Channel 2, Young Sprite, Comet > High n Dry, Birdsong > Rocky Road, Sad Town
    E: Brad Paisley

  • Phish Celebrates 20 Years of WaterWheel

    This year marks the 20 year anniversary of the WaterWheel Foundation, the organization that oversees Phish’s charitable activities. To celebrate this milestone, two special pre-show celebrations are planned prior to two of the band’s Baker’s Dozen shows at New York City’s Madison Square Garden.

    Two pre-show celebrations benefitting the WaterWheel Foundation will take place prior to the July 22 and Aug. 5 Phish shows during their Baker’s Dozen run of 13 shows at Madison Square Garden. The celebrations will benefit five different non-profit organizations. The proceeds from the July 22 event will go to four organizations, to be individually selected by each of the band’s four members. Proceeds from the Aug. 5 event will benefit the Mockingbird Foundation, supporting music education.

    Tickets to the event include access to a two-hour celebration with complimentary cocktails and a light dinner. Attendees will receive a WaterWheel event poster designed by Jim Pollock, a specialty chocolate bar created and donated by Asher’s Chocolates, access to a raffle and/or auction for Phish memorabilia from the Phish Archives, early access to the concert venue and access to a private lounge at set-break.

    Tickets for the celebrations are available now for $200. The 21 and over event is open only to ticket-holders for the concert on the evening of the pre-show celebration.

  • Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals to Host Non-Profits

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    * Please no fireworks, illegal substances or unauthorized vending*

  • So Last Year Embarking on Northeast Tour

    Rochester indie pop band So Last Year is setting off on a month-long journey through New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and for the first time, Massachusetts. Tour kicks off on June 3 with a hometown show at the California Brew Haus and includes stops in Buffalo on June 18 and Syracuse on June 25.

    So Last Year describes their distinctive sound as “vibrant pop/indie-rock with a little bit of piano and a lot of soul.” On tour, they will be playing songs from theirself-released full length albums, It’s Later Than You Think (2013) and In Light of Summer (2015). Formed in 2013 from members of prog rock project Inneriot and other musicians, they’ve undergone some amicable lineup changes. The ensemble currently consists ofLogan Van Epps (vocals, keys), Jon Stowell (guitar), Jason Campbell (guitar), Curtis Matteson (bass), Mitch VanDenBerghe (drums).

    Tour Dates:

    June 3 – Rochester, NY – The California Brew Haus
    June 8 – Boston, MA – TBA
    June 9 – Pembrooke, MA – Lucky Dawg
    June 10 – Tauton, MA – Allaboutrecords
    June 11 – Boston, MA – house show
    June 15 – Pittsburgh, PA – house show
    June 16 – Kent, OH – The Outpost
    June 17 – Pittsburgh, PA – Black Forge Coffee
    June 18 – Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Iron Works
    June 25 – Syracuse, NY – Spark Art Gallery

    Follow So Last Year on Facebook and Instagram for tour updates.

  • Lockn’ Announces Special Guests and New Layout

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

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

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

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

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

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