NYS Music 20​18

Category: Bluegrass/Country

  • Hearing Aide: We Banjo 3 ‘Haven’

    On July 27, 2018, as We Banjo 3 make their first appearance at the Great American Irish Festival, in Frankfort, NY, they will also be releasing their fifth album titled Haven.  As lovers of both bluegrass and Celtic music, these four musicians from Galway, Ireland have dubbed their sound as “Celtgrass” and achieved the perfect marriage of both sounds.

    The album starts out strong with the title track “Haven,” a song of wanting to escape the daily grind that surrounds each of us every day to a personal haven.  We each need a haven to regenerate and refill, and to each of us it’s different. Whether it’s a person, place, or thing, the song inspires us to find that haven and refuel our souls.

    Recently I spoke with band member David Howley about the new album and a few of the songs that really resonated with me. He told me that “the idea of (the song) ‘Haven’ came about organically. The world is crazy right now, probably no more crazy than it’s ever been, but we are all reaching a boiling point. Art, music and culture have always provided relief amidst the chaos. We realized that so many people come to our shows to dance, sing and step away a little from the every day, to recenter on what’s truly important. That interaction is what fuels us as a band, the smiling eyes or the tear of empathetic harmony that rolls down someones face, it means we’re down to our human level and that’s where people can be fully present. We are not claiming to know how to fix things or to change things; we just know how to get people to dance like new born baby giraffes and sing like they wrote the lyrics themselves.” And for those of us that dance like new born baby giraffes, we can totally relate. Music is a haven for us all and this song is a perfect depiction of that. Loved the song, and loved the horns within it.

    As you get deeper into the album, they pick it up in the next couple songs with quick tempoed banjo and fiddle numbers.  In “Light In The Sky,” you can’t help but be inspired to follow your dreams while, with “Sugar House,” you’re grabbing the nearest partner to cut a rug. True ‘Celtgrass’ magic these two numbers are.  I loved how the “Sugar House” progressively sped up, exhausting you and encouraging you to keep up at the end. You would definitely get your steps in on this one if you were on the dance floor.

    I’m a sucker for love and in “War of Love” you can’t help but reminisce about the one got away while watching them move on. Loved the beautiful writing and harmonies on this one with Sierra Hull.

    In “Annabelle’s Cannon,” you have the perfect blend of musicianship – great banjo, great fiddle and great mandolin in this number.  Okay, I just love the melody of this one which made it all great in my book. The beauty of it is that they each were featured perfectly, never competing with each other, only accompanying each other as they took turns front and center…and did I hear an electric fiddle or cello in there, friends?! Not quite sure of which it was, but great add!

    “Pack It Up” has a very folksy vibe to it and I specifically liked the progression of the song to the climatic end of musical movement.

    On “Marry Me Monday,” I love this love song’s vibe. It makes you want to grab the one you love, or would like to love, and take a twirl to this classic Celtic waltz. Definitely a favorite for this season’s wedding dances.

    “Sunflower” is an inspirational quirky tune. With lyrics about love, I found this number very uplifting and loved the harmonies on this one.

    “Don’t Let Me Down” is my favorite number of all on this album.  It’s a beautiful love song that is beautifully written, with beautiful musical composition and outstanding harmonies – a true example of less is more. You’ll see what I mean when you listen to it. Just beautiful! Too many beautiful’s? Nah!

    “Dawn Breaks” is my second favorite track on the album. It’s a true Irish jig mixed with a peppering of bluegrass music. It’s a perfect marriage of both and shows the true musicianship of all the members of the band in this number. It’s a party in a song; some mighty fine craic here!

    “Hold Onto Your Soul” is my third favorite.  Although a bit serious in its message compared to the others on the album, it’s beautifully written and conveyed.  I asked David about this song. He told us that, “‘Hold On To Your Soul’ sprouted from an idea our banjo wizard Enda had, a heartbreaking story that is so common in today’s metal health climate. He and I sat down in a hotel room in Tokyo and grew it a little more…we got together as a band and watched as it kept growing into the song it is now. It’s brutally honest, and doesn’t shy away from how it really feels to be down. The message of the song is that when your right there, as low as you think you can be, that’s when you just need to hold on a little longer and things will get better.”  This a message that so many don’t tackle. It’s something that should be talked about more, however, tends to be taboo. So through these lyrics, they speak to so many, sending a message of hope for tomorrow.  Although things may look bleak today,  just “Hold on for tomorrow / Your time will come / This too shall pass  / And there’s nothing to fear / Hold on for tomorrow.”  It’s an amazing number all around. I applaud them for tackling the subject!

    You can’t help but be happy listening to this album. I’m a sucker for a banjo and fiddle, but the compilation of the lyrics and music weave a story of love, adventure, hope, celebration and community throughout the whole album.  Although I’ve been around the Celtic music scene now for about twelve years, this is the first time I’ve heard their music and I was very impressed. They lived up to all the hype I’ve heard and blended two of my favorite genres to make the best of both worlds.

    Being a newcomer to their music, I asked David if he felt this album was different or an continuation of a story of their previous albums. “Our previous albums are all perfect snapshots of where the band was at a point in time. This album is a little different, it was written, recorded and mixed with a sense of risk. We’ve never been as honest in our writing before, from love sappy songs to songs about going to your ex-girlfriend’s wedding, we tried to stay honest and not shy from uncomfortable feelings. Mental health is a big theme of the album because it’s been a big theme in all of our lives, but we also wanted to portray that ‘Haven’ is a safe space for people to come and just be free.”  I look forward to exploring their other albums as well as seeing them live as I have heard they are highly energetic and this energy is impossible to capture in an album.

    Join me this year at the Great American Irish Festival to feel this energy, share their message, and welcome them for the first time as we are extremely fortunate to have them playing here.  Take a ride down, grab their set, grab their new CD and meet them as they bring their musical Haven to the festival.

    Key Tracks: Don’t Let Me Down, Dawn Breaks, Hold On To Your Soul

  • Finding Paradise with Zac Brown Band in Syracuse

    Thousands of fans “went down the rabbit hole” to Zac Brown Band’s sold out show in Syracuse, NY at the Lakeview Amphitheater Saturday, June 23. Zac Brown Band is one of those bands that have been around for a while because they have so much stamina live. As the show progressed, the realization of how many popular songs they have hits you like the radio waves they have been surfing on.

    It was amazing seeing fans of all ages in the audience, proving that the Zac Brown Band appeals to music lovers of all ages. One of the highlights of the evening was when Zac brought out the opening act Mark O’Connor Band to perform “In My Blood” that Zac produced. It was truly an amazing sight and sound with the stage full of such talented musicians surrounding Zac. It was absolutely perfect when they all covered “With a Little Help From My Friends” by The Beatles.

    Zac also took the time to speak about a cause that is dear to the band’s heart, Camp Southern Ground, which is a music camp for children. Zac told the audience that $2 from every ticket was donated to Camp Southern Ground that night. As the band began to play the riff’s to their smash hit “Chicken Fried,” Zac also thanked all of the service men and women.

    All in all after seeing the Zac Brown perform live, they made loving them so easy. They are one of the best live bands out there, sounding even better than on their albums. If you missed out on seeing their amazing performance, you still have a chance to catch them live July 28 and 29 in NYC at Citi Field, and on September 29 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, NY.

    Set 1: Knee Deep, As She’s Walking Away, Sweet Annie, Day That I Die, It’s Not OK, Uncaged, Take Me to Church (Hozier cover), Tomorrow Never Comes, 2 Places at 1 Time, Keep Me in Mind, Highway 20 Ride, Whipping Post (The Allman Brothers Band cover)

    Set 2: Toes, Next to Me (Imagine Dragons cover), Family Table, Free / Into the Mystic, In My Blood
    (Mark O’Connor cover), Eleanor Rigby (The Beatles cover), With a Little Help From My Friends
    (The Beatles cover), Beautiful Drug, Colder Weather / Take It to the Limit, Chicken Fried, Homegrown

    Encore: Cult of Personality (Living Colour cover), Bennie and the Jets (Elton John cover), Long Train Runnin’ (The Doobie Brothers cover), Tush (ZZ Top cover), Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) (Sly & The Family Stone cover), Despacito (Luis Fonsi cover), Baby Got Back (Sir Mix‐A‐Lot cover), Thunderstruck (AC/DC cover), Sabotage (Beastie Boys cover)

  • Brad Paisley Heats Up Syracuse With Weekend Warrior Tour

    Blistering heat didn’t stop masses of Brad Paisley fans from coming out to his Weekend Warrior World Tour stop at the St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater in Syracuse, NY.

    Flocks of ‘Weekend Warriors’ came to the venue early to tailgate by setting up tents, chairs and grills in true parking lot party form.

    Tour mates Dan Tyminski and Kane Brown performed for the crowd as the party moved from the parking lot into the venue for the show. Brown’s good looks and southern drawl left every female, young and old, screaming for more.  

    When Paisley hit the stage, he kept the party atmosphere going by having two bars set up on stage behind him with a handful of lucky fans enjoying drinks while he performed.

    Known for his support for the military and generosity, he brought out members of the military to salute them and every troop for their service. Shortly after that, he signed a guitar and gave it to a young girl in the audience saying, “This is how you make a Taylor Swift,” and instructed the young girl to learn how to play.

    Paisley performed for nearly 90 minutes and his old school guitar pickin’ country was truly refreshing to see. Carrie Underwood even made a surprise “appearance” via video chat with him as she sang their duet hit “Remind Me.”

    Brad Paisley‘s Weekend Warrior World Tour will continue to roll through the United States through September and will re-visit New York in Wantagh at the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on August 10. 

  • Hochstein at High Falls Offers Free Lunchtime Concerts in Rochester

    Hochstein School of Music and Dance continues its tradition of afternoon concerts this summer. This summer’s lineup includes music by Watkins & The Rapiers, Hanna & The Blue Hearts, Mambo Kings, Hypnotic Clambake, Crooked North Duo, and Genesee Johnny.

    The free performances are held at Granite Mills Park in the High Falls District at noon on Thursdays through August 16. Food is available to purchase from a variety of vendors. Visit the Hochstein School of Music and Dance website for more information.

    2018 Hochstein at High Falls:
    July 12 – Watkins & the Rapiers
    July 19 – Hanna & the Blue Hearts
    July 26 – Mambo Kings
    August 2 – Hypnotic Clambake
    August 9 – Crooked North Duo
    August 16 – Genesee Johnny

  • Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival Announces Artist in Residence: Billy Strings

    Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival runs July 19 through July 22 and is located on the Walsh Farm in Oak Hill, New York. New this year is the addition of Billy Strings as the festival’s first Artist-in-Residence.

    Billy Strings courtesy of the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival press release.

    Grey Fox is a welcomed mix of Grammy, AMA, and IBMA award winners, long-time fan favorites, exciting rising stars, and unique collaborations. Grey Fox is known for presenting the genre’s top artists, producer Mary Tyler Doub feels it’s as important to bring exciting up-and-coming young bands. These bands are from around the country and come to the festival as part of it’s emerging artist showcase where discerning bluegrass fans get to hear them for the first time. Festival organizers have put together an extensive Spotify playlist of this year’s Grey Fox performers. Check that out here.

    Billy Strings is known for being a blazing young singer and multi-instrumentalist. He has been building a huge fanbase with his bluegrass in overdrive whenever he appears. Not only will he be performing with his red hot band he will also be sitting in with various artists, hosting hot jams, and meeting fans all weekend. He’s listed by Rolling Stone as one of the top ten new country artists you need to know, and have dubbed him the “Bluegrass Prodigy.”

    Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival is known for its outstanding lineup, relaxed camping, friendly atmosphere, stellar jam sessions, flawless organization, and warm hospitality. It has six stages, hands-on workshops, demonstrations, beginner slow jams, dancing and dance lessons, tented and open-air venues, fresh ethnic and festive foods, top notch vendors, a very popular family stage, and a four-day Bluegrass Academy for Kids. Grey Fox is a haven for all ages from toddlers to teens; young singles and couples to older adults. Four-day passes (including camping) and day tickets are now on sale on their website.

    For more information and updates as they happen, visit the Grey Fox website.

  • Drive By Truckers Solo Show Rocks Woodstock

    Southern rockers Drive By Truckers took a free night amid their Summer tour with Tedeschi Trucks Band and The Wheels of Soul tour to play a rocking show in Woodstock, NY. The Colony, a beautifully restored building in the heart of Woodstock, hosted a full house of excited fans, braving the heat, to hear the five piece group play some of their time-tested favorites along with some new songs that will appear on their next album.

    Facing these turbulent times the only way they know how, The Drive By Truckers tackle today’s issues with straight forward and honest lyrics. Showing that they’re in the same boat as many of us, trying to make sense of a world that is making less and less sense.

  • Frendly Gathering Proves Less is More

    Frends from around the globe converged on Mt. Ellen this past weekend for the Frendly Gathering 2018.  The three-day event proved that the event’s foundation of music, camping, community and sustainability are viable cornerstones to a successful weekend.  Music started with a Frendly Gathering pre-party on Thursday June 28. In perfect syncopation, the weekend concluded just as new laws legalizing recreational marijuana in Vermont took effect.

    Despite minor rain showers as Frends arrived on Thursday afternoon, mother nature cooperated just as music started later in the evening.  The beautiful blue skies continued throughout the weekend and the green mountains of Vermont served as the perfect backdrop to a weekend of thoughtful music, community and frendship.

    Major highlights to the weekend included the events main headliners.  Thursday night, Twiddle frontman Mihali Savoulidis joined Nakho Bear for a rare Mihali & Nahko set. The duo highlighted not only a variety of their own solo music, but also played a variety of cover tunes.

    Savoulidis joined his Twiddle band mates on Friday evening where frends were treated to a two-hour set from the Vermont quartet.  Most of the weekend attendees agree that while they missed multiple sets from Twiddle, the Frendly Gathering staple was still their weekend favorite.  Andrew Chaney from Willsboro NY, who attended his third Frendly Gathering this year told NYS Music that Twiddle is always his favorite band to see with his frends. “The lyrics consume your mind, while the instruments consume your soul.”

    For many attendees, it was Friday night’s Nahko and Medicine for the People set at the Pacificio Stage that highlighted their weekend.  “There is something cleansing about Nahko’s music” said New Haven, CT native Jon Carlisle, “It’s the kind of music that makes you want to go out and put good into the world.  And we need more of that in the world right now.”

    On Friday evening, the Burton stage played host to both Kamasi Washington and Kat Wright, who both delighted frends with powerful and soulful sets.

    On Saturday, bluegrass reigned supreme as both the Devil Makes Three and Greensky Bluegrass packed the Pacifico Main Stage.  Just before midnight, Greensky Bluegrass Savoulidis joined the band for a cover of J.J. Cale’s “After Midnight” and Peter Tosh’s “Legalize It” in celebration of Vermont’s changing marijuana laws. Jamtronica fans enjoyed a powerhouse evening set from Emancipator while jam fans gathered early on Saturday evening for Spafford.  

    The weekend was highlighted by Frendly favorites Upstate (formerly Upstate Rubdown).  The Hudson Valley based Appalachian soul powerhouse delighted fans with two sets as well as a pop-up set in the Martin Guitar dome.  First year attendee Shane Smith from Manchester, New Hampshire was blow away by the band’s performance “Not just their music but their whole stage presence for both of their sets was perfect, “ he told NYS Music, “and wow can those girls sing!”

    Throughout the weekend, several other artists garnered praise from those in attendance.  Houston based Gulf soul outfit The Suffers weathered the heat Saturday afternoon with an even hotter set of rich, powerful tunes that pierced throughout the mountain side.  “We didn’t make it to the main stage because we just wanted to stay under the shade at our camp, but we could hear The Suffers clear as day back at camp,” noted Alyssa Monarch, a first time Frendly attendee from Rochester, NY. “Their music was so powerful and the vocals so heartfelt, it didn’t matter where we heard it from because it just filled our entire crew with joy.”

    Boston based electrofunk quartet Strange Machines kicked off Friday’s Burton stage with a high energy set.  On Friday afternoon, Satsung drew a huge crowd, despite toasty mid-day temperatures. Other weekend notables included singer songwriter Kevin Morby and Canadian based indie folk group The Relative.

    Beyond the music, the true star of the weekend was the Frendly Gathering’s volunteer team, most notably their massive sustainability crew.  Upon arrival, campers were offered colored trash bags to ensure ease of sorting. Volunteers wearing bright pink shirts marked “Frendly Crew” maintained the festival grounds all weekend long as they worked in pairs not only picking up trash, but also keeping labeled trash cans properly sorted.  According to Smith, these efforts help encourage him to also be a part of the clean-up process. “The volunteers I saw did an amazing job keeping the place clean,” he praised. “It made me happy and motivated to keep my site clean, too.”

    The festival’s commitment to sustainability shined with Kleen Kanteen providing cold, filtered water for attendees.  Food vendors provided quality food with little to no waste product. “Too many festivals offer basically only fried food,” said Smith, “but this place had a very good food selection and mostly healthy as well!” To help combat the heat, Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream offered free samples throughout the weekend.

    The Frendly Gathering also showcased a variety of vendors, crafts, workshops and products.  Twiddle fan funded 501c3 the White LIght Foundation was on site raising money for two local charities, Vermont Family Forest and LoveYourBrain.

    As the weekend concluded, many frends noted that it’s the festival’s pillars of music, community, camping and sustainability that makes Frendly Gathering more than just a typical event.  “Bigger festivals can be so overwhelming, and you leave feeling like you’ve really left a footprint”, noted Monarch. “I appreciate the fact that the organizers, volunteers and frends understand that sometimes, it should just be quality over quantity. It makes you feel warm to be a part of it.”

    Photography by Matt Shotwell (Strawberry Island Dweller)

  • Hot Rize Celebrates 40th Anniversary with New Album, Tour

    The Hot Rize 40th Anniversary Bash album is a recording of Hot Rize’s live performance at the Boulder Theatre over the course of three sold out shows in January of this year. The album will include 19 tracks from these three sold out shows.

    Hot Rize is known for being one of the most respected and influential bands in bluegrass music. The 40th Anniversary Bash shows Hot Rize’s broad appreciation for soulfulness and their conscientious balance between traditional and experimental bluegrass which is a hallmark of Hot Rize since their inception.

    Hot Rize is made up of Nick Forster on bass, Pete Wernick on banjo, Tim O’Brien on mandolin and fiddle, and Bryan Sutton on guitar and they were joined during their Boulder three nights performance by longtime musical friends Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, and Sam Bush.

    Hot Rize’s 40th Anniversary Bash will be available on CD and vinyl (double LP) and will be released via Ten in Hand Records and distributed through The Orchard. The band will play the Ryman Auditorium on July 12th as their Nashville CD release show, as part of the Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman series.

    The celebration will also be making a stop in Oak Hill, NY for the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival as one of the Friday headliners on July 20. Their complete tour dates are listed below.

    Check out the newly released video for “Colleen Malone” below the tour dates.

    On tour:
    July 12 – Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, TN
    July 20 – Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival – Oak Hill, NY
    July 29 – Rockygrass – Lyons, CO
    Aug. 31 – Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival – New Castle, DE
    Sept. 1 – Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival – Brunswick, ME
    Sept. 2 – Rhythm and Roots Festival – Charlestown, RI
    Nov. 2 – The Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries – St. Louis, MO
    Nov. 9 – Peoples Bank Theatre – Marietta, OH

    For more information on Hot Rize visit their website.

  • Small City of Sherrill Packs Big Names into its Summer Series

    Sherrill may be the smallest city in New York State, but its long-running summer concert series boasts some of the biggest music acts in the Central New York scene.

    Among those slated to perform at 6:30 p.m. each Tuesday from June 26 – Aug. 28 are country artist Eddie Arcuri, alt-folk band the Old Main, fan favorites and Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame inductees, Fritz’s Polka Band and Central New York’s premier party band, Showtime.

    Eddie Arcuri performs in the pavilion Tuesday, July 3. Arcuri has recently been recording in Nashville and performed at Frog Fest in June. You can check out his single for “Beer Goggles” here.

    (Photo: Anthony Owens)

    Cazenovia’s Oldfield 5 performs on July 10. The band’s name is derived from the old phone exchange for Cazenovia. Band member, Gary Powers is a Sherrill resident.

    Showtime takes the stage on July 17. This seasoned band has a proven track record of being able to perform just about anything. They’ve been on the CNY scene since the early ’90s and are one of the most high demand bands in the area.

    Fritz’s Polka Band, based in nearby Verona, has the claim of being the only Polka band to ever play at a Woodstock Festival, having performed at the ill-fated Rome version in 1999. FPB was inducted into the Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame in 2017 and have been nominated in several categories at the Cleveland awards ceremony over the years. The band has proven over the course of its career that Polka music can, in fact, rock, as exhibited in this fan-shot video of their version of “All Along the Watchtower” below.

    The Old Main brings their unique brand of Americana to Sherrill on July 31. The band has proven very popular on the upstate brewery circuit and also has a solid fan base at the ski resorts of the Adirondacks and Vermont.

    On Aug. 7, the jazz group E.S.P. This high energy group of seasoned jazz professionals is the recipient of three SAMMY Awards for Best Jazz Album (2009, 2011, 2017) and features Sherrill native, Evan Duchene on drums. Check out their video for “When Fortune Smiles” below.

    The PartyNuts perform oldies from the ’50s and ’60s at the gazebo on Aug. 14. Their performance will be followed by a movie under the starts. The movie will be announced at a later time.

    Central Winds is an all-star CNY wind ensemble comprised of more than 40 local music educators. They will be performing music spanning several genres at the park on Aug. 21. Aside from performing at such esteemed venues as the Eastman School of Music in Rochester and the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, the ensemble also conducts workshops throughout the year. Read more about this talented group of musicians here.

    The summer series concludes Aug. 28 with long-running country act, Matt Chase & Thunder Canyon.

    Sherrill Summer Series concerts are held in the gazebo of Reilly-Mumford Memorial Park, next door to Sherrill City Hall. For more information on this series, visit the City of Sherrill’s website here.

  • NYS Music Presents: Live Shows to Fill Your July

    There’s nothing like a great concert to brighten summer days even more.  Here to make it all the more easy for you, NYS Music is bringing you our run down of all the can’t-miss action throughout New York State’s music scene throughout July.

    Rochester – Funk ‘N Waffles

     July 6th – You will not want to miss Andy Frasco’s “party blues with a touch of barefoot boogie,” style as him and his band bring feel good music to Funk ‘N Waffles with The UN.  Click the link for more event and ticket details. Event link.

    July 7th – The night following their Syracuse show, Victor Wainwright and The Train will be bringing another show sure to make you smile to Rochester. Event link.

    July 10th – Syracuse native, Funk ‘N Waffles house band, Pearly Baker’s Best, will be moving over to Rochester for the night to perform their tribute to the Grateful Dead with David Gans. Event link.

    July 12 – Adam Ezra Group, a personal favorite of mine, will be bringing their roots rock to Rochester and it is sure to be a show you do not want to miss! Event link.

    July 13th – The Gerry Jarcia String Band will be making a stop on their summer Powerwagon Tour and is bringing along some “post nuclear music” courtesy of the dynamic group, Electric Kif. Event link.

    July 18th – Reggae artist Alika will be playing at the Music Hall with M.A.K.U Soundsystem to celebrate of self discovery through music and, as always, bring the party with their punk, funk and rock sound. Event link.

    July 19th – Indie rock and R&B infused band, Little Bird, will be stopping by on their summer tour with the funk fusion quartet, The Phryg.  Event link.

    July 21st – It’s Cosmic Brownie’s 1 year anniversary and they want Rochester to join in on the celebration! To commemorate the occasion, the alternative hip-hop duo will be playing with electronic drummer and producer, Hybrid Beats, as well as Level 7. Event link.

    July 25th – Calliope Musicals will be making the long and treacherous trek from space (or Austin, Texas) with special guests Stationary Escape Pod for an energetic and alluring night of music. Event link.

    July 31st – Amoramora guarantees that every show is sure to, “blast you off into a cosmic dance party,” so don’t miss this golden opportunity to witness their rock ‘n’ roll with special guest Walrus Junction.  Event link.

    Syracuse – Funk ‘N Waffles

    July 6th – The award-winning blues, soul and rock songwriter, Victor Wainwright, will be stopping in Syracuse on the album release tour of his band Victor Wainwright and The Train accompanied by Doug Woolverton on Trumpet.  Event link.

    July 9th – Dead Nights are the best nights, especially when they are brought to you by Pearly Baker’s Best. Event link.

    July 11th – Before the always-traveling group hits Rochester, Adam Ezra Group will be performing with New York native group, The Sea the Sea.  This powerhouse pairing is sure to make for an incredible night of music you can’t miss. Event link.

    July 14th – Upstate New York has the privilege of being graced with another stop on Gerry Jarcia’s Powerwagon Tour.  Once again, the string band will be joined by Electric Kif. Event link.

    July 18th – The night before their Rochester show, Little Bird will be playing Funk ‘N Waffles with lively afro-beat and reggae group Akuma Roots.  Event link.

    July 19th – Chris Eves and the New Normal, rock, funk, blues and jam band, will be performing with special guest, The Melting Nomads, who will be supplying dirty funky fusion. Event link.

    July 21st – It’s sure to be a jam-packed night full of electrifying performances as the Barroom Philosophers, Ponder, General B and The Wiz take on Funk ‘N Waffles for the night.  Event link.

    July 26th – For all alternative music fans, Calliope Musicals with Philadelphia-native band, Pet Cheetah, is sure to be a show to remember. Event link.

    July 27th – Andy Frasco & The UN will be kicking off a vibrant month of music at Funk ‘N Waffles in Rochester and will be closing it out at Syracuse. Make sure to come out for the good vibes and great music. Event link.

    Lake George

    July 13th – A lot of exciting things are happening with one of our favorite Upstate New York-local bands, Formula 5, and included on this list is the fact that they will be hosting the second annual Rock the Dock Festival in Lake George.  The festival will be held on the dock of the Lake George Steamboat Company and will host a multitude of other great acts including Soule Monde, Strange Machines and Let’s Be Leonard.  On your way to the event, make sure you grab a Formula 5 flavored shake at Ben & Jerry’s! Event link.

    Saranac Lake – The Waterhole

    The historic Waterhole in Saranac Lake welcomes West End Blend for ‘The Blender’ – a two night affair with Bella’s Bartok as special guest on Friday, July 13, and a tribute to Prince with WEB on Saturday, July 14. Two day passes cost $24, or $15 each day at the door. On Saturday afternoon enjoy a FREE show with “Blender on the Patio” will go from 5pm to 10pm featuring Jiggawaltz, Adrian Aardvark and Arthur Buezo.

    Buffalo – Nietzsche’s 

    The Jazz Happy Hour that got you through every Monday in June is continuing on through July at Nietzche’s in Buffalo with another incredible lineup of artists.

    July 2nd – Frontstreet Men will be bringing a high energy set full of covers of some classics as well as their own bluesy, funky originals.  Event link.

    July 9th – No strangers to jazz at Nietzche’s, Jared Tinkham Trio will be taking over happy hour on the 9th.  Event link.

    July 16th – Buffalo-based and renowned jazz improvisation artist, Donny Frauenhofer, will be performing on the 16th. Event link.

    July 23rd – Head out on the 23rd to enjoy some smooth sounds from the Brendan Lonighan Octet. Event link.

    July 30th – To close out yet another month of the happiest hours in Upstate New York, Buffalo Infringement Festival Presents Curtis Lovell. Event link.