NYS Music 20​18

Category: Special

  • Hear Boy Jr.’s Spunky New Single “Anyway”

    If there’s anything I’ve learned about Boy Jr., it’s to expect the unexpected. Rochester native Erica Lubman has been experimenting with music since childhood, combining her love for garage rock and indie pop with a flair for dramatic fashion. She’s equally likely to turn up on stage in a retro matching tracksuit as a leather skirt and torn T-shirt. As with her wardrobe, she shows off a wide range of songs in her repertoire – from punk to grunge. 

    Boy Jr.’s latest release “Anyway” shows her ability to continue to stretch and grow in innovative ways. “Anyway” pairs guitar-driven rock with spunky girl power (think Cage The Elephant meets Caroline Rose). Give it a spin! 

    Go to Spotify to hear more by Boy Jr. and follow on Facebook for upcoming shows. 

  • Walkin’ in the WinterWonderGrass

    A weekend of walkin in the finest jamgrass around was made possible by the debut appearance in Vermont over December 14-16 at Stratton Mountain. WinterWonderGrass, now in its 7th year, has held events in Colorado and California since 2012, with founder Scott Stoughton and his team creating a musical village with a welcoming vibe at all turns.

    Stratton was as idyllic a setting out east as WinterWonderGrass could have asked for. Located in south-central Vermont, the mountain is tucked away and has sprawling condos and chalets, a village that practically transports you to the Alps and world class skiing. This weekend added in 8 hours of bluegrass daily, with artists from across the country making the inaugural WinterWonderGrass at Stratton a rousing success.

    walkin in the winterwondergrass
    Photo by John-Ryan Lockman © WinterWonderGrass Festival All Rights Rerserved 2018

    Scott spoke to Jambase earlier this month about the inception of the WinterWonderGrass: “The original idea for WinterWonderGrass came together because I saw a lot of different music festivals happening,” Stoughton explained. “I saw the beer culture expanding. I was also living in a mountain town at the time, and I saw corporatization of mountain communities, influx of people, everything was branded, and it wasn’t feeling right. It wasn’t authentic.”

    The result of Scott’s strive for authenticity is a music village that could be found at any ski mountain – after a run down the slopes, take off your skis and head over to the sound of banjos, mandolins and dobros and take a break with a cold one (or some hot coffee, cocoa or yerba mate). Walking into the venue each day, you feel like a member of a larger family, one that is smiling, laughing and dancing, and most of all, welcoming and friendly to all.

    walkin in the winterwondergrass
    Photo by John-Ryan Lockman © WinterWonderGrass Festival All Rights Rerserved 2018

    Friday kicked off with multiple sets from Pappy & Friends, Beg, Steal or Borrow, Fruition, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, Pickin’ on the Dead and Vermont’s own Saints & Liars. With the three tent stages all close to each other, catching all three was as simple as strolling 50 feet away for a taste of something new. Headliners Jeff Austin Band and The Infamous Stringdusters had the crowd looking forward to the next two days, with powerhouse sets from both. Jeff Austin led a Yonder-style band with a set of speedy jammed out bluegrass originals and covers, capping the set with crowd favorite “Sideshow Blues,” while Stringdusters took spins on Phish’s “Possum” and “Bathtub Gin,” and invited up artist-at-large Bridget Law for Aretha Franklin’s “Respect.” Late night sets featured more from Saints & Liars and Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, as well as John Stickley Trio and Beg, Borrow or Steal.

  • Best Of NYS 2018: Might Never Leave

    New York Only. That’s right – this all access pass explores the thriving music sub-cultures of New York State. We are submerged in, arguably, the most musically-rich and booming areas. It would only be appropriate to cap the Best Of series with a full fledged anthem – waving our NYS-Flag, with immense pride. These highlights hardly encompass our staff’s passion for all things music, because like our readers, we too are musicians and music-junkies, through and through. Strap-in for this wild Trip-acid-visor tour of our states thriving music towns and venues – along with the bands who invigorate them with sound.

    Keep rocking out, exploring music and loving one-another this holiday season. Make sure to catch up with all of the Best Of series – and from our family to yours, thank you for supporting New York State Music.

    BUFFALO

    From Eminem’s “Without Me,” (two Buffalo gals go round the outside) to the longest-serving music venue, Nietzsche’s. Buffalo is home to a plethora of venues including hot-spots; Sportsmen’s Tavern, Town Ballroom, Colored Musicians Club, various boutique concert-series and Buffalo Musicians Hall Of Fame. The city is packed with music – from classical to jazz and, of course, our free-wheeling mashup jam-bands featured on this series. Buffalo is thriving.

    In 2018, Buffalo has seen anyone from John Medeski’s Mad Skillet, Tauk and Turkuaz to Everyone Orchestra and Funktional Flow. Buffalo hosts the boutique Cobblestone Live Festival isolated to bars and venues neighbouring Illinois and Columbia street, which was seen on our Best Of Festivals edition, yesterday.

    Buffalo Iron Works

    One vote shy from winning the best of crown for New York State’s favorite music venue, Buffalo Iron Works is a must visit. If you stumble upon it for a quite lunch or attack the stage for a weekend of live music, you will not be disappointed.  The venue was voted ‘Best in Buffalo’ last year by Buffalo Spree Awards. Iron Works is closing out the year with future dates featuring Canada’s After Funk – for a hyped James Brown Tribute, Buffalo Afrobeat Orchestra, Kung Fu and Doyle (ex-Misfits guitarist). The Venue is walking distance from the Key Bank Center, Lockhouse Distillery, Canalside and the metro station.

    ALBANY

    Albany packs a powerful punch. The state’s capitol is blooming with rich culture, which means, a vibrant music community. Music is the power to manipulate and supersede time, but with greater feeling. As one of the original thirteen colonies there is no telling the vast musical exchange throughout the centuries. Each moment is captured by sound and song, which our contemporary world must pay homage to. Just look at all of the great bands pouring out of Albany. The Low Beat, Jupiter Hall, The Hallow Bar + Kitchen and The Egg are just some of the spectacular venues that twine music throughout the city.

    The Palace Theatre

     The Palace Theatre was voted Best Music Venue in all of New York State for 2018 by NYS staff. As the name implies, the Palace meets and exceeds all of your expectations. The 1930’s built venue was originally a movie theatre and is now run by the city as a non-profit for music, plays, educational events and more. It is the beating heart. Plus, you can’t help but drool when you see your favorite band up in lights, spread across the breathtaking marquee. From Umphrey’s McGee to The Disco Biscuits, the Palace Theatre transforms the concert phenomenon. It blends popular music with the vast architecture and warm arms of the city.

    The Capitol Theatre – Port Chester

    Despite Port Chester having few votes for best music town, it’s evident the ones whom cast, placed their ballots for one reason: Capitol Theatre. Wedged between the southern tip of New York, Long Island, Connecticut and Northern Jersey, it is a jam-band magnet. The thriving seaport transforms when doors open and dead-heads roll into Garcia’s for a pre-celebratory drink. Shall we go? The Capitol Theatre is your gateway.

    If you live within an hour of The Cap, consider yourself spoiled. Built in 1926, the Capitol Theatre began hosting Vaudeville shows and movies – long preceding its reputation as one of the best music venues. Since, music’s biggest names have paved way for the Capitol’s concrete-esteem: Bob Dylan, The Grateful Dead, BB King, The Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin, Pink Floyd and Phil Lesh, among others. True legends – exceeding expectations and musicianship.

    There was no common-weight for Best Shows Across The State  – lets be honest, you’re lying if you have only one best show. It’s impossible. The list had only one thing in common, New York State. The year has surpassed our expectations, but at least we now know where to find them in 2019. Buffalo, Buffalo Iron Works, Albany,  Palace Theatre and the Capitol Theatre are at the backbone of the best music around.

  • Best Of NYS 2018: Sickest Festivals Around

    Festivals hold a special place in our hearts. Whether we are in New York State or half-way across the country these short stints become our musical oasis. Waking up to the picture-esque backdrops of New York State’s foliage and mountaintops are breathtaking. Birds, nature or pure silence sooth, as the night’s jam-rooms pushed the limits of dawn. When night falls, we are oversaturated with the Best Bands Of NYS. It’s as if the landscape acts as a stimuli for the improvisation and energy with each performance. For newbies, just go – sometimes the smallest of festivals have the most to offer. Like yesterday’s Best Albums Of NYS, it opens a world of discovery.

    Kung Fu at Music Festival

    New York’s best voted festival of 2018 – by a landslide. In its eighth year, the festival drew 5,000 fans into the hidden farm-land in Stephentown, NY made its mark as one of the most versatile, yet secluded, festival experiences New York State has to offer, said NYS Staff in our full 2018 recap.

    This year Brooklyn’s Cousin Earth performed tracks off their 2018 release Human Music – whom made an appearance in the Best Of votes. Top-dogs Aqueous swept the mainstage (side b) as well as other Best Of mentioned artist, including Space Bacon, Escaper, and Turkuaz. With such a diverse bill there is simply no room for disappointment. The quaint size of Disc Jam is just right – big enough to get lost, small enough to seeing familiar faces and musicians alike.

    It is in close proximity to major cities like Boston, Providence, Hartford, NYC and Albany and is an excellent choice to get a full fledged festival experience, but on an intimate scale. When you’re not surfing stage to stage there are two disc golf tournaments as well as other art, food, yoga. The jaw-dropping 700 acre farm is the perfect place to echo all the best artist we’ve come to love. With live-stock visible from the festival site, it is a pure outdoors music getaway.

    Discovery: New York’s Top Festivals

    Night Lights

    Mountain Jam

    From Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with special guest Marty Stuart to Steve Miller Band with Peter Frampton, what more could you ask for. The Hunter Mountain festival is the perfect size and proximity for your first festival experience, but one thing is for sure – it definitely won’t be the last. The 13th annual festival continually proves itself as a festival veteran with show-stopping talent tucked discretely in the midst for the Catskills.

    Cobblestone Live

    Brooklyn Comes Alive

    While Brooklyn Comes Alive boast an incredible lineup and close proximity of three venues within six-blocks, it felt impossible to peel yourself away from the magic on-stage. The fourth annual festival was a near sold out success, featuring the booming and vibrant artist twined throughout the city. It is a place veterans will return and newcomers merge in their proving grounds. In the end, it is – and always was – about the music. Who knows what 2019 will bring, but beware: the streets of Brooklyn are alive.

    Rochester International Jazz Festival

    Best Out-of-State Festival

    Peach Festival

    Peach festival in Scranton, PA was a hands down win for our staff pick – again. The Allman Brothers Band founded-festival compounds with each passing year, since its inception in 2012. The daunting lineup of Gov’t Mule, Phil Lesh, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Umphrey’s McGee, Moe. and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong is pure bliss for jam-band junkies. The peaks and valleys of Montage Mountain Ski Resort funnels all walks of life to Peach Festival for the four day event. With the passing of Gregg Allman and  Butch Trucks still fresh in Peach-goer’s hearts, the thriving community has become even more heartfelt. Allman Brothers co-founder Dickey Betts tugged on our heartstrings, while Marcus King tipped his hat with “Dreams” during this years event.

    With seven months to go, we are even more anxious with names like  Phil Lesh & Friends, Warren Haynes, John Scofield, Joe Russo, Trey Anastasio, Marcus King Band and moe. already secured on the 2019 lineup. They keep coming back – and so do we. See you July 25-28.

    Moreover, productions of this caliber set precedent for festival culture. Water filling stations, health and sustainability events and a potent outray of positivity are norm. A force is so strong – it is felt. Even the lone-traveler gets sucked into a world that instantly becomes home.

    Discovery: Fests Are The Best

    Hulaween – Live Oak, FL – Since 2013 – Attendance 20-25,000 capacity

    https://youtu.be/OUE_I8ZOZuY

    LOCKN’ – Arrington, VA – Since 2013 – Attendance 25,000

    Bonnaroo – Manchester, TN – Since 2002 – Attendance 80,000+

    Newport Folk Festival – Newport, RI – Since 1959 – Attendance 10,000 capacity

    Please stay tuned tomorrow, where we recap New York’s best music towns and venues.

  • Best Of NYS 2018: You Have To Hear These Albums

    Rule number one – turn off your shuffle. In today’s society we are overstimulated and the idea of an album, top to bottom, is fleeting. As we break into day two, the soundscapes of song become more vibrant when articulated within the peaks and valleys of an album. These highs and lows shape the story – Let the tellings of New York’s finest and booming bands be heard.

    Put on your headphones (seriously, isolation is key). Listen, close your eyes and don’t open them until there is complete silence, when the final chords have fleeted. Let your mind reel as you discover the best albums of 2018.

    HINT: Be on the lookout for ‘Discovery’ sections featuring other NYS staff votes for Best Of. There are so many great bands we simply can’t pick them all!

    Best Album By A New York Artist

    Aqueous – Color Wheel

    Not only was Aqueous’ Color Wheel voted Best Album By A New York Artist, but was inches away from claiming the title of Best Album Overall. They have been banned from yesterday’s series of Best Under Rated as they owned that title two years running. The Buffalo based craze captured NYS fans and staff, without question.

    There’s a certain continuity to this entire album, and it unfolds in a way that makes the track order important for the experience – there’s an underlying narrative happening throughout the lyrics and themes, and the overarching theme of the story is a strong sense of optimism through the struggle of the realities of life – Guitarist Mike Gantzer

    So try that thing with your headphones. We will let the art speak for itself – and check out “Weight Of The World” featuring Turkuaz’s horn section.

    Turkuaz – ‘Life In The City’

    More vibrant than a rainbow, each track is crowded with intensity and expressionism. Life In The City paints the aura of a mundane, overstimulated world and bespatters the canvas with electro-funk graffiti. It’s infectious, luring ghost-walkers in from the darkest alleys. Once the nine-piece powerhouse entraps your mind, life as you know it, will cease to exist.

    The title track, “Life In The City,” is familiar like walking. Weighted four-on-the-floor kick drum echoes the mass of worn shoes. Every step brings a new impetus. The overtones and decay of the drums juxtapose reality as they ring out through a suspended chorus. “Life In The City portrays a dark and dystopian future, or current city environment, full of over stimulus,” said guitar/vocalist Dave Brandwein. “It gets harder and harder to appreciate life. Blind in the spotlight and caught up in the hustle and bustle of the city. We want it to feel that way in our songs.”

    Collectively the album is a constant echo of life. From a willingness to try and “just letting it come out”, themes arose, like the reoccurring ‘city noises’ throughout the record.

    Discovery: Albums On Repeat  

    Catch up with the BEST BANDS OF 2018 because you’re already behind. It’s only day two and an earful of music is stuck on replay! Witty Tarbox, voted one of the most under rated bands along with, Escaper, Intent To Sell and Groovestick, all had votes for best album by a New York Artist.

    Best Album Overall

    Sister Sparrow  – ‘Gold’

    The glimmer of Gold  has caught our eyes. The overanxious wait for another Dirty Bird release had us on edge. In the past three years we have been deprived of the nitty-gritty funk powerhouse and soulful horn section that is Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds. While Gold is everything we want, with that iconic bird edge, this record is a spotlight on the undeniable front-woman Arleigh Kincheloe, a.k.a Sister Sparrow.

    “As an artist, we have to evolve. If we stay the same, then we’re going backwards,” said Kincheloe in an interview with NYS. This razors edge has captivated fans – a blend between modern-pop shimmer, electronic accents and that Dirty Bird flare.  “I always wanted to try too marry modern sounds, hip hops elements, soul and funk stuff that I love. I have a whole Spotify playlist that was my soundscape for this: The Staples, Aretha Franklin, The Pointer Sisters, Bill Withers, Paul Simon, Joe Cocker – a very ’70s vibe. But I tried to add the modern techniques and drum sounds,”  Said Kincheloe. Stop reading. Go Listen.

    Discovery: Why Not Listen To Them All?

    John Medeski’s Mad Skillet

    Lizzie & The Makers – ‘Meanwhile’

    Roan Yellowthorn – ‘Inigo’

    Leon Bridges – ‘Good Thing’

    Mikaela Davis – ‘Delivery’

  • Best Of NYS 2018: New Bands On The Block

    Its that time of the year again. We have been blessed with so much great music throughout 2018 and it will be impossible to cover it all. Stay tuned throughout the next few days as we delve into some of the best bands, albums, festivals and towns in New York State – and beyond. These picks have been curated from our wonderful staff to expose you the vast talent of musicians that pass you on the streets and dwell in your neighbouring towns. Each day will introduce new music for you to listen to, but for now – the good stuff – THE BANDS.

    Best Under the Radar band from New York

    Witty Tarbox

    The Buffalo=bred indie-surf ensemble will celebrate their two year anniversary on New Year’s Day. Their first EP The Adventures Of Schmitty: Issue #1 V. Rare puts an edgy twist on Upstate’s jam-band culture. Listening to “Schmitty & Bags” will open up an electrified rabbit hole, riddled with screaming guitar, thunderous toms and over-the-bar groves. Witty Tarbox is multifaceted, dumping all your musical inspiration into a blender where none of the flavors get lost. Instead, they have their own layered place in the mix, complemented by unorthodox instrumentation. Crack one open and find out for yourself.

    Escaper

    After discovering Brooklyn’s Escaper, you will be gridlocked centerstage wondering: What the hell just happened? Escaper released their second studio-album this year, Edge Detection, that detonates musical genres and resonates through the shrapnel. They are the explosion – a mess of sounds that shouldn’t fit together, but they do. It’s exhilarating. Ironically, there’s no escaping. From smooth jazz-saxophone to a vortex of organ, arena-rock guitar and metal-esque drum fills, Escaper delivers. Edge Detection captures their free-form performances and jam roots that make you almost-obligated to the live experience. Escaper has only been around for a few years, but have shared the stage with John Fishman (Phish), Galactic and Aqueous and are taking New York State by storm.

    Best Under The Radar Bands: Discovery

    Cold Lazarus: Reggae-infused intellifunk jam rock – Jamestown, NY – Est. 2017

    The Goodnight Darlings: Indie-pop rock – New York, NY

    Dirty Blanket: Dirty string-slingin’ bluegrass – Finger Lakes Region

    Groovestick: Powerhouse funk trio – Albany, NY

    Intent To Sell: Hip-Hop/Rock – Buffalo, NY

    Rootbrew: World-beat infused americana – Rosendale, NY

    Mike Powell (& The Black River): Renegade-Folk Songwriter – West Carthage, NY

    Space Bacon: Jamtronica rock quartet – Brooklyn, NY

    Wuriliday: Soul-funk goodness – Albany, NY – Est.  2017

    Best Band EVERYONE Should Be Listening To

    Phish

    Like them, or not, Phish remains a staple in the world of jam-band music. It is expected that they swept the competition for Best Of. It’s the simple fact that: they have done it before. From books, boxsets and fanclubs, the sea of Phish is endless. Start swimming.

    For you newbies, swing on over to your local Ben & Jerry’s and pick up a pint of “Phish Food,” and indulge. Again: it’s been done before (hint hint). Go to LivePhish.com and listen to every live performance with a click. Your marshmallow-fudge covered lips will grin when you realize who that cutting-edge band got the idea from or when you recognize that solo-lick, jamming in your parents basement.

    “The intention that this band is so great at, is to stop thinking,” said Mike Gordon. It is the reason Phish was, and still is, the example in jam-band culture. They remain at the top because they are captivating and, in-truth, one could argue that it is you, the Phans, who are propelling their motion. “When we feel a surge, we surge, it happens all the time. Thunder will happen or lightning and I’ll hear the crowd go Wahhhh. Then we just ramp up,” said Trey Anastasio.

    Phish is set out to do another New Year’s Eve run at Madison Square Garden starting on December 28. Phish made their debut at Madison Square Garden in 1994. The four-day run sold out, expectedly so, and will mark 60 Phish performances at The Garden as we break into 2019.  Catch more details on Today’s (Monday) SiriusXM ‘Ask Trey’ on Phish Radio, Channel 29.

    Best Live Cover or Tribute Performance

    Pink Talking Fish

    Founder and bassist, Eric Gould came up with the idea of a fusion tribute to three of his most beloved bands: Pink Floyd, The Talking Heads and Phish. The intent is to “heighten people’s passion for music by creating something fresh.”  Collectively, the musicians of Pink Talking Fish are equally inspired by these crossroads, as are their fans.

    “If you enjoy the adventure of music, this is its epitome” said Gould. Pink Talking Fish embarks on a musical journey filled with rhythms you already know and love.

    In their rendition of Phish’s “Makisupa Policeman,” PTF incorporates Pink Floyd’s “Brain Damage” without straying from Phish’s Reggae feel. The band is further driven by the concept of setlists. Gould has always been intrigued by the construction of sets and how they influence the audience. Setlists are “musical candy to read on paper. And people are salivating over it.”


    Setlist: Speak To Me, Breathe, Down With Disease, On The Run, Thank You For Sending Me An Angel, Time, Mike’s Song, *Great Gig In The Sky, Weekapaug Grove, ^Money, ^*Take Me To The River, ^*Us & Them,  ^*Any Colour You Like, Ghost, Down With Disease Reprise, Once In A Lifetime, Brain Damage, Eclipse

    Encore: 18 ^*Julius
    * w/ Elise Testone on Vocals, ^ w/ Matt Wayne on Sax

  • Monster Energy Outbreak Tour Announces first tour of 2019 featuring A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie

    The Monster Energy Outbreak Tour is coming out of the gates strong in 2019. The prestigious touring brand just named multi-talented rapper, singer and songwriter, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, as the headliner for their upcoming winter and spring tour. The tour kicks off February 20 in Austin, TX and will make stops in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta and other major cities across the U.S.

    Monster Energy Outbreak

    Bronx native Artist Dubose, aka A Boogie, rose to stardom when his major label debut, The Bigger Artist, reached #1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart and cracked the top 5 of the Billboard Top 200. Named by The New York Times as “the most promising young rapper the city has produced in some time,” and nominated by BET for 2018’s Best New Artist award, A Boogie is poised to prove that his accolades are well-deserved in 2019.

    Amidst all the acclaim, A Boogie remains humble. Describing his excitement to connect with fans, A Boogie stated, “Partnering up with The Monster Energy Outbreak Tour marks a milestone moment in my career. I can’t wait to create memories with the fans that will live with them for a lifetime.”

    Tickets for the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour will go on sale on Friday, December 7th at 10am local at www.outbreakpresents.com and www.aboogiehbtl.com, with pre-sale schedule as follows:

    TOUR DATES:
    2/20/19 AUSTIN,TX – EMO’S
    2/21/19 DALLAS, TX – HOUSE OF BLUES
    2/23/19 HOUSTON, TX – HOUSE OF BLUES
    2/25/19 TAMPA, FL – THE RITZ
    2/26/19 ATLANTA, GA – TABERNACLE
    2/28/19 CHARLOTTE, NC – THE FILLMORE
    3/1/19 RALEIGH, NC – THE RITZ
    3/4/19 BALTIMORE, MD – SOUND STAGE
    3/5/19 SILVER SPRING, MD – THE FILLMORE
    3/7/19 NEW YORK, NY – TERMINAL 5
    3/10/19 BOSTON, MA – HOUSE OF BLUES
    3/12/19 TORONTO, ON – REBEL
    3/13/19 CLEVELAND, OH – HOUSE OF BLUES
    3/15/19 GRAND RAPIDS, MI – INTERSECTION
    3/16/19 DETROIT, MI – THE FILLMORE
    3/19/19 INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DELUXE
    3/22/19 CHICAGO, IL – HOUSE OF BLUES
    3/23/19 MINNEAPOLIS, MN – VARSITY THEATER
    3/26/19 DENVER, CO – SUMMIT
    3/28/19 LAS VEGAS, NV – HOUSE OF BLUES
    3/29/19 PHOENIX, AZ – THE VAN BUREN
    3/30/19 SAN DIEGO, CA – HOUSE OF BLUES
    4/1/19 ANAHEIM, CA – HOUSE OF BLUES
    4/2/19 LOS ANGELES, CA – THE BELASCO THEATRE
    4/4/19 SAN FRANCISCO, CA – THE FILLMORE
    4/5/19 SACRAMENTO, CA – ACE OF SPADES
    4/8/19 VANCOUVER, BC – COMMODORE BALLROOM

  • 2019 Newport Folk Fest Sells Out, Begins Lineup Announcements

    2019 Newport Folk Festival tickets went on sale last Thursday and completely sold out all three days within a matter of hours. This news is not particularly surprising as the festival has been selling out with increasing quickness over the past few years. But it is no less incredible, particularly since not a single artist had been announced. You can read our review of last year’s festival to get a sense of why it is a special event that garners such fervor among it’s fans new and old, old and young.

    If you missed the on sale, don’t fret, there’s still a chance. In one of many moves the organizers have employed to fight the ever present threat of scalpers, the festival set up its own fan-to-fan resale site, hosted by Lyte. Sign up for a spot in line and hope for the best. It might seem like a long shot, but it has proven to be a very successful system in the past, so sit tight. And definitely be wary of any other resellers. Since tickets haven’t even been issued yet they are most definitely not real.

    Newport is a festival of surprises, and in a pleasant surprise, soon after the sell out they revealed the festival’s finale set. Entitled “If I Had a Song,” the set will celebrate what would have been festival co-founder Pete Seeger’s 100th birthday with a singalong.

    This set will surround hate, and force it to surrender. In what would have been our co-founder’s 100th year, we could think of no better way to celebrate Pete’s spirit in a time where we need each other now more than ever, than to do so with a celebratory sing-along. We’re stronger when we sing together, so we intend to do just that for this year’s festival finale.

    The festival also announced that on behalf of every artist playing this year, the Newport Festivals Foundation will make a donation to a music education charity of the artist’s choice. In honor of this set, the festival will be making a donation to Beacon Advocates for Music in Seeger’s hometown of Beacon, NY.

    Dear Folk,

    This is an important day for the festival and the foundation because we are sharing our vision for 2019 and beyond with you, our folk family.

    Sixty years ago, our event defined the modern day festival paradigm, which is so prevalent today. Yet we feel that our own understanding of what it means to be a festival needs to be reexamined. Are we empowering artists? Are we supporting the next generation of musicians? Are we inspiring our fans? In short, can we be doing more?

    While we’ve laid the groundwork as a non-profit in recent years, it has become clear that the increasing burden to sustain music education in America is falling squarely on communities like ours.

    Therefore, we are making a commitment to partner with every artist playing Newport Folk this summer on donating to a music education cause of their choosing. That’s right, EVERY ARTIST.

    Yes, it’s going to be a challenge, but together we’re confident we can make a difference, because that’s what families do for each other.

    Grateful,

    Jay Sweet, Executive Producer

    Usually the lineup would start trickling out starting in January or February, but the festival just announced the second artist for the 2019 lineup. Gregory Alan Isakov, the indie-folk musician from Colorado will return to the Fort after his last appearance in 2014. He is slated for an appearance on Saturday, July 27 and in his honor the Foundation will be making a donation to the Columbine High School guitar class.

    Stay tuned for more lineup announcements!

  • Jam for Tots 2018 line up shows across the state

    Tis the season to enjoy live music and support a great cause, across New York State! Annually, NYS Music works with bands and promoters across the state to help those in our local communities who are less fortunate and in need of a healthy dose of cheer this holiday season. Combining live music performances and the spirit of giving during the holiday season are a natural combination, and we present these 4 Jam for Tots 2018 shows where fans are able to enjoy the best music across the state, and help kids out at each show.

    Or stop by Putnam Place in Saratoga Springs all month long and drop off a toy!

    jam for tots 2018

    December 6 – Stewart House – Athens

    In the Catskills, join John Pinder and the gang for Open Mic on the first Thursday of the month. The jam lends a hand to the Toys for Tots drive this month by asking musicians and patrons to bring along an unwrapped toy for a less fortunate child. Jam for Tots has become a cherished tradition at The Stewart House.  The list opens up at 6:30pm, be sure to ask the bartender or the host John Pinder to get signed up! All are welcome. Be it a solo, duo, group, spoken word, or stand up session, head down to the Stewart House to share your talent.

    December 13 – Parish Public House – Funk Night in Albany Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

    It’s a Funk Night XMAS Ugly Sweater Party ft. Hayley Jane & Members of Kung Fu, West End Blend, Wurliday, & More! Come out and sing some funky XMAS classics with us at this special holiday rendition of NYS Music’s Albany Funk Night! 5$ off with a toy for our Jam n Tots drive.

    On December 13, celebrate a Funk Night Christmas with an Ugly Sweater Party at Parish Public House in Albany! Join the band and sing some Christmas songs at this special holiday rendition of NYS Music’s Albany Funk Night! Take $5 off the cover charge when you bring a toy for our Jam for Tots drive.

    The Funk Night Christmas lineup includes Hayley Jane, Beau Sasser (Kung Fu), Chris DeAngelis (Kung Fu), Justin Henricks (Wurliday), and Bryan Brundige and Phil Chow (The Chronicles). Tickets are $15, or $10 if you bring a toy.

    December 15 – Nietzsche’s – Intrepid Travelers and Folkfaces

    Join two of Buffalo’s best groups, Intrepid Travelers and Folkfaces, as they team up for an incredible night of jam, rock and much more. Bring an unwrapped gift for a 2-12 year old and the gifts will be gathered by USMC representatives. Give back to those most in need this holiday season and enjoy a great show at the same time! $5 , 21+ unless accompanied by a parent/guardian

    December 21 – Caffe Lena – A Very Leonard Christmas

    Let’s Be Leonard returns to Caffe Lena for their annual holiday show! Expect to hear your favorite Leonard boys performing the holiday classics sprinkled with their signature Leonard flavor!

  • Waddy Wachtel and The Immediate Family At The Iridium

    “Waddy (Wachtel) is an amazing guy to play with. He knows what you’re hearing before you do and can play anything. I envy him quite honestly.” – Keith Richards

    Robert “Waddy” Wachtel became infatuated with the guitar, idle in front of his TV screen at five years old. “I was just mesmerized. My mother said: that is a guitar – and that was it for me,” reminisced Wachtel. Now, over six decades later, the Queens-born guitarist is exuberant to bring forth The Immediate Family – a supergroup of session players for the Legends in Sessions series at The Iridium in NYC November 26-28.

    waddy wachtelFor Legends In Sessions, this is the first time these musicians take the spotlight. The Immediate Family includes: guitarist Danny Kortchmar, who has played, produced and written for Don Henley and Jackson Browne; Steve Postelli, who worked with David Crosby and Dave Koz; and rhythm section, Leland Sklar on bass and Russ Kunkel on drums, who collectively played on 5,000 records, from Willie Nelson and George Strait to Phil Collins, James Taylor and Reba McEntire.

    “One day I was driving my beat up ‘57 Chevy to Studio Instrument Rentals. Out of the driveway comes another ‘57 Chevy. The car stops and the driver ask ‘hey, are you Waddy?’ It was Russ Kunkel,” said Waddy. “Next thing I know, I get a call to play with Kortchmar on a reggae session and we were brothers instantly.”

    When The Family gets together, it’s something special. “It’s a hit or miss situation because we cannot be together as much as we want,” said Wachtel. The band is writing a mass of new material and recording within the slightest breaths in scheduling. They just got back from a stint in Japan earlier this year. The weeks’ worth of performances are in process of being mixed for a live album release.

    Legends of this caliber dwell in the shadows. Waddy has backed giants in the industry like Linda Ronstadt, Keith Richards, Warren Zevon, Stevie Nicks, Bon Jovi, and Iggy Pop – a roster that daunts his credits as co-writer and guitarist on Zevon’s “Werewolves Of London.” Wachtel performed on Zevon’s first two albums, co-wrote “Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead” and co-wrote Stevie Nicks’ “Annabel Lee” and “I Don’t Care.” For all the new-age listeners, Wachtel also appeared on the 2010 Grammys backing Taylor Swift on guitar. If you don’t believe me, “just look at your parents record collection.”

    waddy wachtelThe three-night Iridum showing will be something to behold – fans will be mesmerized like Waddy was at the first glance of that guitar. “We are all looking towards the next recording we can do together. We have a lot of new material being collected, which I think people will dig,” said Wachtel.

    “It comes from all different directions. You’re gonna love everything you write, but that doesn’t mean it is good. You have to stick to a goal about how you write a hit song and make a discerning decision,” said Wachtel. Waddy is working on a “Beatles meets The Supremes type of song,” which he wrote years back. The melody was confident, but lacked meaningful lyrics. With the help of Kortchmar, the track “One More Time Or Two” now sings and reads something beautiful.

    “We came up in a perfect time in Los Angeles. It was an American Liverpool. The creative juices that were flowing, warmth and camaraderie between everybody musically was unlike anything I have ever experienced,” said Wachtel. “You would be in a session – suddenly Don and Glen from The Eagles would come on by and ask if we needed anything.”

    waddy wachtelWhen working on “Excitable Boy,” Waddy wanted a Beach-Boy-esque background harmony. He simply called up Linda Ronstadt and Jennifer Warnes and they came right down to the studio. This willing and vibrant community inspired Waddy to become a dedicated studio musician.

    Waddy is always working towards something greater. He once said, “If I didn’t learn something new musical daily, it wasn’t a good day,” an ideology that makes the guitarist humble and hungry to evolve.

    As a kid Wachtel began taking lessons with one of the jazz greats, Sal Salvatore. “He took a liking to me,” said Wachtel. “He would take me downstairs to this little Italian restaurant after the lesson – it looked just like the restaurant Michael Corleone killed the criminal in from The Godfather [laughs] – Then we would go back upstairs after dinner and he would make me play melody. He crammed a lot of guitar knowledge in my head,” said Waddy. “It was just fantastic.”

    When working with Warren Zevon, “right away we we didn’t get along, but everyone knew there was a very strong, musical, person behind those glasses,” said Wachtel. “We always agreed on certain things like The Rolling Stones. It was a wild and amazing ride.” Next thing you know we were on tour and The Everly Brothers were singing in our hotel room. “It was god-like you could say, something close to heaven.”

    For the Iridium dates, “It is fantastic to finally be together again as US instead of backing up Linda or Phil,” said Waddy Wachtel. The Immediate Family will be playing three consecutive nights starting on Monday. The magnitude of musicianship is unfathomable. Waddy’s uptaking alone was remarkable. Stay tuned to catch the final run for Legends In Sessions with Steve Lukather and Bill Evans’ Toxic Monkey, playing six nights, December 4-9.