Author: Laura Higbee

NYS Music Presents: Live Music this March across the Empire State

Happy March from NYS Music! The year seems to already be flying by, but it’s never too late to make the most of your time and see as many live shows as you can. NYS Music is here to help you out and give you some highlight shows you really cannot miss across the state.

Buffalo – Nietzsche’s

March 7th – To catch Universal Sigh and Witty Tarbox on their Cosmic Serpent Tour, come out at 9 PM for the high-energy rock show. This show is perfect for fans of Radiohead, Snarky Puppy and Umphrey’s McGee. Event link.

March 15th – At 9 PM, the Syracuse native band, Major Player, will be filling Nietzsche’s with their indie-rock sound and bringing along Mosswalk, Nothing Casual, and Del Rue. If you are looking for a night packed full of alternative rock, look no further. Event link.

March 21st – It is sure to be an eventful and energized night at Nietzsche’s as the alternative hip-hop duo Cosmic Brownie brings down the house and brings along Elowvate, Soularplexus, and Cypher. Event link.

March 23rd – Folkfaces are bringing their Spring Tour through Buffalo with Pine Fever, and The Tenants. There will be hillbilly stomping, swanky swinging, and gritty blues that you do not want to miss. Event link.

March 31st – As The Strange Standard says, “It is here.” And that it will be on the 31st! The funky rock and blues band will be playing with The Bee Trees, Glitch Video Game Band, and The Good Neighbors at 8 PM. Event link.

Syracuse – Funk ‘N Waffles

March 3rd – The award-winning nationally touring band Dynamo will be bringing down the house with their jazz, rock and funk fusion music with special guest Darla at 10 PM Event link.

March 9th – “In the tradition of James Brown, with the balls of Led Zeppelin.” You do not want to miss Swift Technique and the Fritz at 10 PM. Event link.

March 10th – Fireside Collective, the progressive bluegrass band, will be doing a free show at 10 PM Event link.

March 11th – Come out to see the jazz funk duo, Soul Monde with special guest The English Project at 8 PM. Event link.

March 16th – If you cannot make it out to see Major Player in Buffalo, then come see them with special guest Stranger to Look for some quality indie-rock at 10 PM. Event link.

March 17th – Come celebrate St. Patty’s Day the right way with Jameson and great live music from Spring Street Family and Skunk City at 10 PM. Event link.

March 23rd – Stu Hamm will be slapping the bass and playing Funk N’ Waffles as he swings through Syracuse on his 2018 Tour with special guest Nigel Felony. Event link.

March 24th – Toronzo Cannon will be playing the CNY Blues & NYS Blues Fest Fundraiser with special guest Chris Merkley at 8 PM. Come out for a great night of live music for a good cause. Event link.

March 28th – Come out to see Gangstagrass and find just how good rappers paired with banjos sound. They will be performing at 8:30 PM with special guest Bendetti. Event link.

March 29th – Hayley Jane & The Primates and Wolfe Den Studio will be performing 9 PM and it is sure to be an electrifying night full of soulful Americana rock. Event link.

March 31st – The locomotive of love that is Big Mean Sound Machine will be bringing good vibes and good music with special guest Sundrop Rise at 10 PM. Event link.

Rochester – Funk N’ Waffles

March 3rd – The funky Philadelphia native band that is sure to have you grooving all night long, Swift Technique, will be accompanied by music that is “funky in spots and beautiful all over,” provided by Kat Wright. Event link.

March 9th – Our Friends Band is always excited and eager to play for a new audience and would love for you to be their newest fans. Come and catch them with Spring Street Family at 9:30 PM. Event link.

March 10th – The notable raw talent of Soule Monde is something you do not want to miss. They will be showcasing their funk sound with special guest and soul, funk band, The English Project at 9 PM. Event link.

March 16th – Buddahood and Root Shock will be bringing fusion music based on reggae to Rochester at 9:30 PM. Event link.

March 22nd – For live electronica music that combines genres and breaks barriers come experience EOTO with special guest Strange Machines, Stereo Nest, SKYwalker BASS. Event link.

March 23rd – Chiggin’ and their funky fusion is sure to ruffle your tail feathers and make you want to move. Come see them with Mother Funkin’ Planets and Everyday Hologram at 9 PM. Event link.

March 28th – Hayley Jane & The Primates will be performing their blend of Americana, rock and soul at 9 PM. Event link.

March 29th – And to round out the highlights of the month at Rochester, Cole Davidson will be performing with The Phyryg at 9 PM. Event link.

Plattsburgh

March 3rd – Given that last time Dawn Tyler Watson performed at Olive Ridley’s Taphouse & Grill it was so incredibly packed, the whole restaurant will be dedicated to this show-stopping performance on the Jawbreaker Tour. The event is hosted by PB&J: Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz and the soul-driven jazz starts at 8 PM. Event link.

March 23rd – Another show-stopping PB&J show will be hosted at the Retro Live as the Sugaray Rayford Band rolls through Plattsburgh. For an exciting show full of soulful blues that you hear and feel, come out at 8 PM to see the band take the stage. Event link.

March 29th – But if you can’t come out for the Sugaray Rayford Band on the 23rd, come see them and support Bluseed Studios at the Waterhole Upstairs Music Lounge. Doors at 7 PM and music at 8 PM. Event link.

Albany

March 2nd – Come out to The Hollow Bar + Kitchen at 8 PM to see The Lizards, Phish Tribute band who are bringing the genuine Phish experience all the way from Toronto. Event link.

Cohoes

March 24: Melvin Seals has been a powerful presence in the music industry for over 30 years with a long-established reputation as a performer, recording artist and producer. Melvin is most revered for his powerful, high-spirited, Hammond B-3 organ, and keyboards in the Jerry Garcia Band. Join a legend at a legendary venue, Cohoes Music Hall, on Saturday, March 24. Event Link

March 4, 2018
NYS Music Presents: Live Music across New York State this February

It is that time again to start planning all the great musicians you are going to see this month. NYS Music is here to help you out and give you the run down of when to mark your calendar in February for all the live music around you that you cannot miss.

Buffalo – Nietzsche’s

February 1st – The Plate Scrapers are making their Buffalo debut to start off the month at Nietzche’s with The Observers. Come out for some original bluegrass and folk music. Event link.

February 7th – Buffalo-local rowdy jazz and bluesy roots band Folkfaces will be playing with American roots band Swampcandy. Event link.

February 16th – The award winning electronic-rock band, Space Junk will be having their CD Release at Nietzche’s and will be joined by the psychedelic jam trio Vibe & Direct. E vent link.

February 24th – Starship Mantis, the funk, dance and R&B band, “dedicated to making you move,” is sure to do just that when the come through to Nietzche’s and you do not want to miss it. Event link.

Rochester – Funk ‘N Waffles

February 1st – Come out for the groovy experimental beats and loops from “a DJ for people who are not fond of DJs,” Weazildust featuring drummer, Packy from Jimkata Event link.

February 2nd – Dirty Blanket, the Finger Lakes native bluegrass band will be performing joined by The Plate Scrappers, and Steel Guapo Event link.

February 3rd – Tragically Hip Tribute “Fully Complete Hip” will be bringing a crowd pleasing set with selections from the Hip’s library with theatrics and visuals that complete the experience. Event link.

February 8th – Continuing their sweep through upstate New York, Folkfaces and Swampcandy will be coming to Rochester following their Buffalo show for more bluegrass and good times. Event link.

February 9th – Come find out why Kyle Hollingsworth’s genre can only be described as “keyboard wizardry.” Kyle Hollingsworth Band will be performing with special guest funk and hip-hop band Sophistafunk and it is sure to be a night of incredible music you don’t want to miss.  Event link.

February 10th – For some indie roots music that will make you want to sing a long and will without a doubt have you smiling along with the band, come see Parsonsfield with special guest Old Deer Ensemble. Event link.

February 16th – The Rochester-native Moho Collective will be bringing their “sonic arsenal” with a healthy mix of jazz, funk, rock, folk and traditional sounds of the Middle East, Africa and Latin America to Funk ‘N Waffles with special guest Overhead Sam. Event link.

February 17th – Singer-songwriter Aaron Rizzo will be performing his acoustic funk music that will please fans of artists from John Mayer to BJ The Chicago Kid, with special guest Tyler Pearce Duo and Sam Nitsch. Event link.

February 23rd – If the name Cosmic Brownie doesn’t sell you enough, maybe the promise of more of their funky electronic music will. Come out for their EP release party with special guest and futuristic funk band Eclat, as well as the hip-hop duo Carousel. Event link.

February 24th – Mother Funkin’ Planets, the Rochester-based “funk groove powerhouse” will be taking on Funk “N Waffles with the Charles Walker Band. Event link.

February 25th – It’s going to be a full night of high energy music as “punk-hop” artist Tommy Traina, rap and hip-hop artist Lamaj, hardcore punk band Citizens Against People, El Jefe, and Jiggy take over Funk ‘N Waffles for the night. Event link.

February 26th – Don’t miss a night full of infectiously upbeat ska music featuring Bim Skala Bim, the Beaumonts, and Some Ska Band. Event link.

Syracuse – Funk ‘N Waffles

February 2nd– Before they hit Rochester, the Tragically Hip Tribute band “Fully Completely Hip” will be bringing their immersive live music experience to Syracuse the night before. Event link.

February 3rd – If you miss them when they swing by Rochester the night before, don’t miss the “dirty string-slingin’” bluegrass sounds of Dirty Blanket wth special guests, The Plate Scrapers Event link.

February 7th – Chris Merkley, Bea, and Charley Orlando will be performing in Syracuse and will be bringing a great live show full of alternative folk and folk rock.  Event link.

February 8th – All the way from Michigan, don’t miss your chance to see the Motown inspired folk rock band Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers joined by Boston’s hottest young rock, R&B, and funk band, Juice Event link.

February 9th – Following their Buffalo and Rochester shows, Swampcandy and Folkfaces will be stopping by Syracuse. So if you miss their two shows before, be sure to make it out for this one! Event link.

February 10 – For another funky night at Funk ‘N Waffles, don’t miss Kyle Hollingsworth with special guest Sophistafunk. If you didn’t catch them in Rochester the night before, be sure to make it out on the 10th! Event link.

February 14 – Sundrop Rise will be filling the night with their groovy soul, funk, pop and reggae blended sounds with special guest The Cooled Jets. Event link.

February 16th – The 16th is bound to be a night filled to the brim with fantastic live music and starts off with the blues sounds of Joe Louis Walker at 8 o’clock.  Event link.

February 16th – Continuing the night with more blues music, Nat Gross will be taking the stage at 11. Event link.

February 17th – Come out to hear the Americana-inspired sound of Steel Guapo with special guest Gerry Jarcia String Band when they roll through Syracuse. Event link.

February 22nd – The jazz/groove quartet, Forq will be performing featuring the members of one of their favorite artists, Snarky Puppy & David Bowie. Event link.

February 23rd – Following their debut the night before, Oval Sandwich, the side project of guitar player Rob Compa from Dodapod, will be performing in Syracuse with Wiley Riley on the keys and Paul McCardle on guitar. Event link.

Albany – The Hollow Bar and Kitchen

February 9th – Presented by Guthrie/Bell Productions, the progressive ukulele rock band, Cousin Earth will be joined by Ampevene who will be releasing their new live album at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen. Event link.

February 16th – The contemporary rock trio Lespecial will be performing at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen with the soul/rock band, Front Business Event link.

February 23rd – Following Moe.’s show at the Palace, come out to the afterparty and see Floodwood, the Americana Newgrass band from Upstate New York and Space Carnival. Event link.

February 24th – Following the second Moe. show marking their return to the Palace, the second afterparty will be featuring Electric Beethoven and Scott Haney Plays Video Games at the Hollow Bar + Kitchen. Event link.

January 31, 2018
Start Off Your New Year With Live Music, Presented by NYS Music

A very Happy New Year from NYS Music! If your New Year’s resolution is to see more memorable shows in 2018, NYS Music is bringing you the rundown of all the can’t-miss shows around you in New York this January. The featured cities this month include Buffalo, Syracuse and Rochester.

Buffalo – Nietzsche’s

January 6th – Come out to Nietzsche’s for some funk and soul music from the group Tiger Chung Lee, accompanied by Rhubarb. Hit the event link for more details! Event link.

January 13th – For a night full of dynamic funky music, come see the English Project take Nietzsche’s with their groovy improvisation with Mosswalk, the progressive rock group who brings an immersive live music experience, and 18 Wheels and a Crowbar.  Event link.

January 20th – The group LITZ blends together a multitude of genres to bring a new, exciting sound for listeners that has the power to transport audiences to another place, free from the stresses of life. To hear a variety of everything from soul, electronica, jam and funk, catch them at Nietszche’s with Cold Lazarus. Event link.

January 26th – Nietzsche’s is bringing you a day packed full of live music on the 26th. Start early with a free show at Happy Hour featuring The Fibs. Then come back for more at 10 PM to see Swimmer, Skyepilot and Haewa for a mix of experimental rock-fusion, genre-bending psychedelia, and rock ‘n’ roll. Event link.

Syracuse – Funk ‘N Waffles

As per usual, Funk ‘N Waffles is providing Syracuse (and Rochester) with live music 7 days a week. All shows are 18+ unless advertised otherwise.

January 5th – The soul powerhouse group, West End Blend, will be at Funk ‘n Waffles with special guest Akuma Roots, the reggae, afro beat, and dance hall group. Event link.

January 6th – The Last Revel, the Americana trio will be showcasing their blend of folk, rockabilly, rock and old time string band sounds with hauntingly beautiful vocal harmonies with special guests the Slocan Ramblers Event link.

January 12th – Don’t miss the dream-like indie-rock sounds of Major Player with special guest Multi-Fonz. Event link.

January 16th – Nick Moss with special guest Jimmy Wolfe will be at Funk ‘n Waffles for a night of bluesy rock and roll. Event link.

January 17th – “Three dudes making one hell of a racket!” Don’t miss MonkeyJunk’s swamp roots rock on the 17th.  Event link.

January 18th – The Rochester-native 12 piece reggae and afro-beat band, The Medicinals, will be performing for the first time with Brooklyn Producer Double Tiger featuring Jay Sparker of JBB. Event link.

January 24th – Come out and see the pre-war blues and string band inspired sounds of the Ben Miller Band with special guest Tim Herron. Event link.

January 25th – For a unique bluegrass version of the Grateful Dead, come see the Grass is Dead with David Gans. Event link.

January 26th – Blue Rootz, the funk and soul band from Buffalo will be performing with Burlington-based indie group Barika. Event link.

January 27th – Brutal by Design Presents: Mushroom Cloud with Big Sexy and the Scrambled Eggs for a night of explosive rock music. Event link.

January 31th – Independent soul artist Joanna Teters will be at Funk ‘n Waffles with special guests Ramshki Alley and Doug Mason. Event link.

Rochester – Funk ‘N Waffles

January 5th – Before The Last Revel and Slocan Ramblers perform in Syracuse, catch them in Rochester for a bold blend of Americana inspired sound.  Event link.

January 12th – Milkgang Presents: Space Junk with SKYwalker. Come out for an always unique performance by these dynamic artists. Event link.

January 13th – Mumur a Tribute to R.E.M. will be bringing their dynamic and precise recreation of the sounds of R.E.M. to Rochester. Event link.

January 17th – Don’t miss the original Americana and roots sounds of the group Stay the Plow with Michael Jerling on the 17th.  Event link.

January 18th – MonkeyJunk will be moving onto Rochester following their Syracuse show. Event link.

January 19th – After the Medicinals with Double Tiger take Syracuse with Jay Sparker of JBB, they’ll be bringing Rochester another can’t-miss show. Event link.

January 24th – To remind the people of Rochester about the power of rock ‘n’ roll, River Lynch & The Spiritmakers will be performing with special guests The Mighty High and Dry as well as Dangerbyrd. Event link.

January 25th – Hosted by David Abdoch with headliner Mike Bova, the NY native, award winning comedian and inspirational speaker, and featuring Big Ern, The Big and Tall Comedy Tour is coming through Rochester and is sure to keep you laughing.  Event link.

January 26th – Jack Martini will be bringing his hip-hop/60’s rock-inspired and playfully humorous music accompanied by rock, ska, and jazz blended sound of The Saplings. Event link.

January 27th – If you miss Blue Rootz and Barika at Syracuse, make sure to catch them on the 27th for another night of incredible music. Event link.

January 8, 2018