NYS Music 20​17

Tag: sheryl crow

  • Farm Aid Brings Music For A Mission Back To Burgettstown, PA

    My husband and I were fortunate enough to be in attendance the last time the Farm Aid lineup rocked Burgettstown in 2002.

    This time was extra special as it was the first time our six-year-old son was able to attend a Farm Aid event with us. The life experience he has gained from attending the press conference, being up close to music greats like Farm Aid board members, Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews, learning about vermicomposting in the HOMEGROWN Village and eating all the amazing food the local farmers and food vendors cooked up for the show; I can’t even begin to imagine the lasting impact that will have on him. Did I mention that all of the concessions sold at the show were sustainably produced by family farmers using ecological practices and any waste produced was recyclable or compostable?  Awesome!

    Although the day in many ways is about the music, I want to take a moment to focus on the heart of the cause…the family farmers. Farm Aid has raised more than $50 million to support family owned farms. The press conference held prior to the day long concert, focused on four stories of local farms. They varied from a produce farm that sold to local schools, a dairy farm that was able to stick it out and make things work even in tough times, one of the pioneers of organic farming in the region and an inner city urban farm that invites the community to have a safe haven to commune, work and get a bite to eat if they’re hungry. Pennsylvania was selected to play host to the 2017 Farm Aid concert because it is home to over 58,000 farms. However, those farms are declining at a growing rate. For more information about Pennsylvania farms please visit here.

    It is no surprise that the 2017 Farm Aid concert sold out the first day tickets went on sale. The lineup was incredible and featured some of the music industry’s best. Farm Aid 2017 featured Willie Nelson, Neil Young with the Promise of the Real, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds, Sheryl Crow, Jack Johnson, The Avett Brothers, Nathaniel Rateliff &The Night Sweats, Blackberry Smoke, Margo Price, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Valerie June, Insects vs Robots and Blackwood Quartet. We met people who had traveled from Alaska and even Australia to see the show.

    The day opened with the smooth sounds of the Blackwood Quartet; followed by the experimental psych-rock band Insects vs Robots featuring Micah Nelson, son of Willie. Valerie June brought her beauty and talent to the stage. How many instruments can she play?

    Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real were on fire. It has been a few years since I have seen them and they have certainly progressed as a band. Lukas has a genuine, likeable stage presence and proved that he has natural talent like his father. In fact, this band is so amazing that they have the distinct honor of being the backing band for Neil Young.

    Jam-rock band Blackberry Smoke played a set reminiscent of the sound of the Allman Brothers.  Farm Aid veteran Jamey Johnson took the stage next. The crowd was starting to fill in as he performed country favorites, “Up on Cripple Creek” and Woodie Guthrie’s “This Land is Your Land.”

    I had heard great things about Margo Price, a newcomer to the alternative country music scene. She did not disappoint. She has a voice that will take her places and a personal reason for championing the Farm Aid cause; her family lost their farm in 1985.

    Things really started to heat up when Nathaniel Rateliff & the Nightsweats took the stage. It was my first time seeing the band and now I completely understand what my friends have been raving about. What an awesome sound that culminated with their performance of “S.O.B.”

    The Avett Brothers kept the momentum going. I am unsure of how to describe their sound. You really just need to check it out for yourself. They rocked “Laundry Room,” “True Sadness” and “Slight Figure of Speech.”

    Jack Johnson is one of the most laid back performers I have ever seen. He opened his set with a highly entertaining parody song aptly titled, “Willie Got Me High and Stole All My Money.” Jack invited Jamey Johnson, Sheryl Crow and Nathaniel Rateliff & the Nightsweats to join him onstage to cover Bob Dylan’s “I Shall Be Released.” To keep the party going, Jack called for someone to find Lukas Nelson so that he could come up and perform with him. Lukas was located and joined him for “Breakdown” which included a snippet from Steve Miller Band’s “The Joker.” Jack Johnson was clearly in the mood to share the stage and the Avett Brothers joined him for the final two songs of his set, “Mudfootball” and “Better Together.”

    The sun was finally starting to go down and Sheryl Crow was up next. She took the stage and immediately lead with hit song “Every Day Is a Winding Road.” She followed Jack Johnson’s lead by inviting Margo Price to join her for “Strong Enough” and ended her set with The Allman Brothers Band cover “Midnight Rider” with Margo Price, Willie and Lukas Nelson and Jack Johnson onstage to help.

    The first of the Farm Aid board members, Dave Matthews along with his partner in crime, Tim Reynolds performed next. Matthews and Reynolds laid down some mean guitar tracks during set opener “Don’t Drink the Water.” They pleased their diehard followers by debuting a new song that may appear on an upcoming album release that fans have dubbed “Odds Are Against Us.” Their set felt short. Of course I am accustomed to their nearly three hour long performances.

    John Mellencamp always puts on a good show. I am convinced he can pull off anything from country, blues, jazz-funk to good ol’ rock n roll. He can sing it all and his band is on point. He played fan favorites “Small Town,” “Check it Out,” an acoustic version of “Jack and Diane” to which Mellencamp said, “I don’t know why I play this song anymore. I guess it’s cause I know you all want to hear it.” “Rain on the Scarecrow” was very moving given it summarizes the heart of the devastation of the loss of a family farm.

    I have seen Neil Young perform at Farm Aid several times but this year, he stole the show. Young along with Promise of the Real took the stage by storm with a thundering version of “F*ckin’ Up.” Young was ready to rock and ripped through stunning versions of “Cortez the Killer,” “Cinnamon Girl,” “Heart of Gold” and the crowd went crazy when the opening chords of “Rockin’ in the Free World” hit the air. He summed up the day by stating “Farmers are the American heroes today. They are living a real life.”

    It was time for the heart and soul of Farm Aid to take the stage… Mr. Willie Nelson. My son was overjoyed that he opened with his favorite Willie song, “Whiskey River.” Willie performed a Toby Keith cover “Beer for My Horses,” “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die,” “On the Road Again” and ended the night with some humor or perhaps satire with “It’s All Going to Pot.”

     

    What can you do to help?

    • Shop at your local farmer’s market
    • Join a CSA
    • Grow your own garden or participate in a community garden
    • Talk to local farmers and learn about what they do and their farming practices
    • Contribute to Farm Aid 
    • Write to congress and tell them they need to support family farms not factory farms

  • Outlaw Music Festival Takes Over Syracuse Lakeview Amphitheater

    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.

    outlaw festival lakeviewBringing 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.

  • Parking Tips for Busy Weekend at Lakeview Amphitheater

    Syracuse’s west side will be bustling this weekend with the 18th Annual PPG Syracuse Nationals classic car show at the New York State Fairgrounds (July 14 -16) and back-to-back concerts at the Lakeview Amphitheater (July 14-16), and here are some parking tips for you.

    The Syracuse Nationals Classic Car Show will be open the following hours this weekend:

    July 14th – 8 a.m.- 6 p.m.
    July 15th – 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
    July 16th – 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

    The Lakeview Amphitheater will host the following shows this weekend:

    Kidz Bop – July 14
    Incubus with Jimmy Eat World – July 15
    Outlaw Festival – July 16

    Below are parking details for the weekend. Amphitheater concert attendees for shows Friday – Sunday are recommended to avoid State Fair Blvd. For easier entry to parking, concert attendees should approach the amphitheater from the East (690W) and drive directly into the Orange Lot to avoid parkers for the Syracuse Nationals. If traveling in from the West (690E) – continue past Exit 7 to Hiawatha Blvd to turn around and approach the venue from the East (690W).

    Friday, July 14

    Kidz Bop (Lakeview Amphitheater) and Syracuse Nationals (NYS Fairgrounds)

    Kidz Bop Parking:

    * ONLY the Orange Lot will be utilized for guests attending the Kidz Bop concert. Lots open at 5:30 p.m.

    * Free parking will be available at The Oncenter (800 S. State Street | Syracuse, NY 13202) for concert attendees who are interested in taking the Downtown Shuttle to the amphitheater from the Centro Hub on Warren Street in Downtown Syracuse. This service begins at 4 p.m. and costs $4 round trip.

    * Drop off/Pick Up will be located in the Orange Lot for this show. Signage and parking staff will be in place to direct guests to this area.

    Syracuse Nationals Parking:

    * All NYS Fairgrounds Parking Lots will be utilized for Syracuse Nationals attendees throughout the day.

    Saturday, July 15

    * Incubus (Lakeview Amphitheater) and Syracuse Nationals (NYS Fairgrounds)

    Incubus Parking:

    * ONLY the Orange Lot will be utilized for guests attending the Incubus concert. Lots open at 5:30 p.m.

    * Free parking will be available at The Oncenter (800 S. State Street | Syracuse, NY 13202) for concert attendees who are interested in taking the Downtown Shuttle to the amphitheater from the Centro Hub on Warren Street in Downtown Syracuse. This service begins at 6 p.m. and costs $4 round trip.

    * Drop off/Pick Up will be located in the Orange Lot for this show. Signage and Parking Staff will be in place to direct guests to this area.

    Syracuse Nationals Parking:

    * All NYS Fairgrounds Parking Lots will be utilized for Syracuse Nationals attendees throughout the day.

    Sunday, July 16

    * Outlaw Music Festival (Lakeview Amphitheater) and Syracuse Nationals (NYS Fairgrounds)

    Outlaw Music Festival Parking:

    * ONLY the Orange Lot will be utilized for guests attending the Outlaw Music Festival. Lots open at 1 p.m.

    * Free parking will be available at The Oncenter (800 S. State Street | Syracuse, NY 13202) for

    concert attendees who are interested in taking the Downtown Shuttle to the amphitheater from the Centro Hub on Warren Street in Downtown Syracuse. This service begins at 2 p.m. and costs $4 round trip.

    * Drop off/pick up will be located in the Orange Lot for this show. Signage and parking staff will be in place to direct guests to this area.

    Syracuse Nationals Parking:

    * All NYS Fairgrounds Parking Lots will be utilized for Syracuse Nationals attendees throughout the day.

    For additional information, attendees can visit Lakeview Amphitheater’s website and the Syracuse Nationals website.

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