NYS Music 20​18

Category: Blues/Jazz

  • Hearing Aide: News From Planet Kniffen ‘Dreamland’

    Darryl Kniffen’s brainchild News From Planet Kniffen released their debut album Dreamland on April 27, and the Vermont-based sextet has shown that they have the chops to produce some truly innovative fusion jazz/funk music. An eclectic musician from Clifton Park, New York, Kniffen has performed with a number of bands and musicians, and dominated the stage solo. He is responsible for all the arrangements found in NFPK’s triumphant debut album.

    The 9-track album begins with the promising “Blackness,” a worthy introduction track with soaring horn and trumpet lines, setting the tone for the high-energy voyage the listener is about to embark on. “Peace Journey” features a memorable piano line and some layered drumming, as well as some ultra-smooth sax and trumpet, culminating in a peaceful and ambient tune. The third track is the only cover on the album, a fresh take on AC/DC’s “Back In Black,” which manages to be both inventive and new, while remaining faithful to the hard rock classic.

    The aptly-named “Midnight Drive” builds the groove up slowly, and lets each member of the group take turns showcasing their ability and cultivating an entrancing atmosphere. See them perform it live here. After the sultry mellow groove of “Midnight Drive,” the band lets loose with the titular track, “Dreamland.” This is arguably the most danceable number on the album, with a salsa influence shining through their already-recognizable style. This intoxicating Latin-inspired track is sure to animate a crowd.

    “Song of Everest” follows on “Dreamland’s” heels with a heavy-metal inspired riff and some aggressive piano, adding more depth to the eclectic palette of the album. “Everest” brings some dark, raw energy that adds interesting variety and features a riveting peak and breakdown. “Beautiful Mystery” is essentially the tonal opposite of the previous song, with NFPK returning to their original, undeniably jazzy sound. “Inspiration” builds on a wave of pleasant horns and a steady build to a euphoric crescendo before the epic coup-de-grace that is “Tick Tock.” “Tick Tock” evokes the feeling of an old spy movie, with its jaunty piano-line and frantic pace, instilling a dramatic sense of urgency.

    News From Planet Kniffen shows tons of promise with their first foray into the world of jazz-fusion, with a debut album that blends mesmerizing soundscapes with genre-bending arrangements and musical prowess. These guys are not to be missed. Purchase the album here.

    Key Tracks: Back in Black, Midnight Drive, Dreamland

  • Blues Music Awards Honor Chenango Blues Festival Performers

    The Blues Foundation held its 39th Blues Music Awards on Thursday, May 10, in Memphis, Tennessee. Several award winners have appeared recently in Central New York, most notably at the Chenango Blues Festival. Victor Wainwright took home the prestigious Pinetop Perkins Best Instrumentalist – Piano Award, and Jason Ricci was named Best Instrumentalist – Harmonica. Both Wainwright and Ricci delivered jaw-dropping, show-stopping performances at the 2017 Chenango Blues Festival, reviewed by NYS Music’s Mike Kohli here.

    Jason Ricci

    Other winners that have appeared at Chenango through the years include Curtis Salgado, Soul Blues Male Artist; Southern Avenue, Best Emerging Artist Album; Ronnie Earl, Best Instrumentalist – Guitar; Samantha Fish, Contemporary Blues Female Artist; Mike Ledbetter, who won with Mike Welch for Traditional Blues Album for Right Place, Right Time on Delta Groove Records; Mike Zito, Rock Blues Artist; Rick Estrin, who won Band of the Year, Traditional Blues Male Artist, and Song of the Year, for “The Blues Ain’t Going Nowhere;” and the late, great Luther Allison, Best Historical Album for Luther Allison – A Legend Never Dies, Essential Recordings 1976-1997 (Ruf Records).

    Other BMA nominees that have appeared at Chenango include Paul deLay, Guy Davis, Shemekia Copeland, Janiva Magness, Mitch Woods, Chris Cain, John Nemeth, Upstate New York’s own Tas Cru,  (whose latest release, Memphis Song, was recorded at SubCat Studios in Syracuse), Anson Funderburgh, Savoy Brown, Vanessa Collier, Sugaray Rayford, Anthony Geraci, and the North Mississippi All Stars. 2018 Festival performers Toronzo Cannon, The Cash Box Kings, and Elvin Bishop were also nominated.

    Emerging Artist nominees Larkin Poe, quickly gaining followers and national attention, will headline opening night of the NYS Blues Festival in Syracuse on June 28.

    Some of this year’s Blues Music Award winners can be seen throughout New York State this summer. Here is a partial list:

    Mike Zito is at The Tralf in Buffalo on May 17.

    Keb Mo plays at the Tarrytown Theater on May 25.

    Jason Ricci can be seen in Ellicottville on June 2, and in Lima, NY on June 3.

    Samantha Fish can be seen June 2 in Rochester at Flour City Station, June 7 at Daryl’s House in Pawling (already sold out), June 12 at Funk ‘n Waffles, Syracuse, and will return to Chenango on August 18. A NYS Music review of her appearance at the Westcott Theater on February 9, 2018, can be viewed here.

    Robert Cray stops in Vestal on June 13, and in Geneva on June 15.

    Victor Wainwright will perform at Funk ‘n Waffles Syracuse with an early 6:00 p.m. show on July 6.

    Beth Hart is on the bill with Kenny Wayne Shepherd at Albany’s Palace Theater, July 27.

    Trombone Shorty visits Bethel, NY on August 11, and Lewiston, NY on August 14.

    Rick Estrin & the Nightcats are scheduled to appear at Wakely’s on Varick, in Utica, NY on August 11.

  • Hearing Aide: Dana Fuchs ‘Love Lives On’

    dana fuchs love lives onIt was the immortal bluesman B.B. King who once deftly stated “As long as people have problems, the blues can never die.”  New Jersey native and soul singer extraordinaire Dana Fuchs is living proof that the King of the Blues was right on the money.  After overcoming numerous trials and tribulations in her personal life over the years, Fuchs has been able to overcome that pain and hardship by channeling it into her music. The latest LP from Dana Fuchs, Love Lives On, was recorded on her own newly formed label Get Along Records in Memphis, TN.  The record features a stellar backup band which includes Dana’s longtime musical collaborator and guitarist Jon Diamond as well as R&B legends Charles Hodges on Organ and Stax Records session veteran Steve Potts on Drums.

    Perhaps the most radio friendly number on Love Lives On is the opening selection on the album, “Backstreet Baby.”  The song has an infectious groove and upbeat vibe that features a nice electric guitar hook by Diamond which is supported by a nicely placed funky horn section.  The lyrics are stark and yes a little dark, but Fuch’s streetwise soulful vocals along with the band’s upbeat tempo really makes “Backstreet Baby” cook.

    Dana’s voice has the ability to conjure visions of such female blues greats as Etta James and Janis Joplin.  The soul that is put into the phrasing in her voice is essential to the classic R&B genre and is most reflective on tracks such as “Faithful Sinner.”  The song’s inspiration comes from Fuch’s late father and their relationship.  The lyrics talk about looking past the faults in people in your life and giving them unconditional love. The tune also features a beautiful organ introduction and in concert with Fuch’s gospel inspired vocals transports the listener to a Memphis church straight out of the sleepy South.

    The acoustic “Fight My Way” is a lyrical declaration by Fuchs that the struggle with darkness in one’s life is real and redemption does not come free or easily.   It is a constant battle that takes both your will and hard work to achieve.  Musically the number features Fuch’s at her soulful best, while Diamond demonstrates his folksy blues side by playing slide acoustic along with a pleasing mandolin accompaniment.

    Love Lives On finishes up strong with  a stripped down version of the Johnny Cash classic “Ring Of Fire.”  The LP’s version slows the tempo of the number down drastically and transforms the defiant and angry number into a classic Soul Cry torch song. The drastic change up from the Cash original totally works, and is a testament to the collaborative creativity that Fuchs and Diamond have developed over the years working together.

    Dana Fuchs will be touring in support of Love Lives On with numerous dates both in the U.S. and Europe this summer.

    Key Tracks: Ready To Rise,  Sittin’ On, Back Street Baby, Ring Of Fire

  • Keller Williams Reminds Us to Celebrate Our Youth in Buffalo

    Buffalo is home to so many fantastic venues and hosts an endless, revolving stream of incredible artists all year long. When we had the pleasure of hosting Keller Williams at one of the best venues in Buffalo we knew we would be in for a treat. celebrate youth

    keller williams celebrate youth

    Keller Williams is a long time staple in the jam band scene playing as a solo artist and with several other projects ranging from funk to blue grass. His high energy shows make up for in talent, creativity, and a magnetic, eternal, youthful jubilance what they lack in lights and lasers. Fans come out to hear the man play, to watch him layer each instrument, to marvel as he deliberately selects each note and nuance. A one man band for the ages, Williams refers to his sound as acoustic dance music, and I’d be hard pressed to describe it any better.

    Williams resumed his solo tour in conjunction with the release of his 20th album Vape, with a much anticipated stop in Buffalo on what felt like the first sunny day this side of the millennium. He took to the stage to a sold out crowd at the Tralf Music Hall shortly after nine o’clock on a Friday night. Located in the heart of Buffalo’s theater district The Tralf is a gem of a venue, occupying the second floor, perched above a night club, and residing next to the historic Shea’s Performing Arts Center. When stepping outside at set break the juxtaposition offered by its locale is unmatched. Men in tuxedos escorting women in fine gowns through clouds of smoke and profanity, punctuated by the occasional drag queen or panhandler, make for a scene that’s as hard to replicate as it is easy to love.

    Unfortunately, not everyone was feeling the love. The beefed up security at the Tralf resulted in several attendees being ejected from the capacity event. The limited wiggle room and constant chatter of the well liberated crowd made for a first set that was at times a challenge to enjoy. Williams persevered however and did not delay acknowledging the importance of the date of his performance here in Buffalo, rolling out a first set full of tributes to 4/20 including covers of Peter Tosh’s “Legalize It” and, Buffalo’s own, Rick James’ “Mary Jane”. He also delivered a soul soothing Tom Petty medley alongside several original tracks.

    The second set saw a thinned out crowd and significantly less noise. Williams delivered some long time favorites like “Kiwi and the Apricot”, “Stupid Questions”, and a clever and entertaining “Super Hot Girl”- a truly comedic lyrical romp with Keller providing the perfect soundtrack. The highlight of the second set came as the crowd was expecting a cover of “Stairway to Heaven” and instead received a much welcome “All Along the Watchtower”. Williams dubbing the mashup “Stairway To Watchtower” to cheering fans.  Keller Williams closed out his 4/20 party at the Tralf with an important reminder to “Celebrate Your Youth” before it’s too late.

    Author: Ashley DePasqaule

  • Jimmie Highsmith Jr. Featured on Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight

    The latest installment of Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight starred critically acclaimed award winning saxophonist Jimmie Highsmith Jr. In this, the eight installment of season 5 of the series, Highsmith is interviewed by host Dan Gross before playing a selection of smooth jazz songs. On the stage, Highsmith is joined by Dave Labman on keyboard, Mark Terranova on bass, and Bruce Pitts on drums.

    Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight hosts live events, which are free and open to the public. Episodes are recorded at Bop Shop Records at 1460 Monroe Avenue in Rochester from 7-9pm. Jon Lewis will finish out the fifth season and mark the series’ 50th episode on April 27.

    This episode of Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight is directed, edited and hosted by Dan Gross. Sound by Gross and Matthew D. Guarene, camera and production by Gross and Jason Thibault, and mixed by Josh Pettinger of Wicked Squid Studios. This season is made possible by Bop Shop Records, Rowe Photographic Video and Audio, Bernunzio Uptown Music, Sound Source, Joe Bean Coffee Roasters, Three Heads Brewing, Wicked Squid Studios, and patrons who contributed to the Season 5 indiegogo campaign.

    For more about the Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight, read the NYS Music feature. For the latest news and access to dozens of episodes, visit Dan Gross Music and Journalism.

  • Abilene celebrates 10th Anniversary with JD McPherson on April 13

    On Friday, April 13, Abilene Bar and Lounge will celebrate their 10th anniversary with a special concert featuring JD McPherson, plus Jake La Botz and Woody Pines.

    Presented by Record Archive & DSP Shows, the show gets started at 8pm on Friday at Harro East Ballroom in Rochester. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 day of show and are available at abilenebarandlounge.com and dspshows.com.

    Abilene

  • Marty O’Reilly and the Old Soul Orchestra Worth the Wait for Honest Folk

    Honest Folk has been around for almost exactly two years, and they’ve been itching to book San Francisco’s Marty O’Reilly and the Soul Orchestra ever since. The dream became reality on Tuesday night at Good Luck, and it was well worth the wait.

    marty O'reillyMore than midway through their show, lead vocalist and guitar slinger Marty O’Reilly apologized that they weren’t playing straightforward folk music. Of course, no apology was necessary.  The crowd had already been moved to multiple standing ovations and were visibly having a hard time containing their gyrations to the confines of their seats. No apology was necessary, regardless, because their music was their music and no one in the room was there to judge its purity. While the promoter’s name may be Honest Folk, the ‘folk’ could just as well refer to the people, not the genre. That is, the people who book the shows, the people who support the shows, the people who attend the shows and the people who play the shows, honest folk one and all.

    And what about their music? Genre-less for sure. We know so far that it isn’t exactly folk. It’s also bluesy, but not the blues, soulful but not soul, and rocking but not rock. O’Reilly’s band mates, Chris Lynch on fiddle, Ben Berry on upright bass and Matt Goff on drums and percussion, aka the Old Soul Orchestra, are old souls pumping with new blood. The band’s origins stem from the blues which certainly shines through. But even in covering some traditional blues, like Muddy Waters’ “Smokestack Lightning” or Skip James’ “Hard Time Killing Floor,” the lyrics are the same, but the music is rewrote to give them a freshness all their own.

    marty O'reillyThe band is touring behind their recently released album Stereoscope, a labor of love that was years in the making, featuring songs conceived of from a cabin in picturesque Santa Cruz, California. O’Reilly’s emotional and weathered voice could evoke those landscapes on new ones like “Stereoscope,” “Ghost” and “Let the Wind In,” though they were being played on a drearily rainy and cold day in Rochester, New York. The cozy and dimly lit brick confines of Good Luck made for just as perfect a setting for the rich tapestries being constructed between the finger picked guitars and vibrantly ethereal fiddle. Goff’s drums, which meandered between intricately understated and invigoratingly punctuated, and Berry’s bass boomed and moaned at all the right junctures. They weren’t afraid to let the music take control of the band. The reins were loose and the tunes stretched their legs, arriving at some rather brilliant moments, delighting the band and audience alike.

    The show finished, as most of these shows seem to these days, with the band leaving the stage to join the audience, unmic’ed. Chairs were pushed aside and space made for the four members to play from the floor, as they broke into a stirring rendition of “Cold Canary Gaslight” off of their Pray for Rain album. The audience got to join in on the music-making fun with a finishing singalong of Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s “Up Above My Head.”

    Hopefully it doesn’t take another two years to get these guys back to Rochester, but if it does, at least we know it’ll be worth the wait.

  • Squirrel Nut Zippers Prove They are Back and Better Than Ever in Homer

    The ’90s was a decade of maelstrom in the music industry. The decade that saw the death of hair metal also saw the rise of alt-rock, the second wave of ska and the swing revival, among many other genres. It was arguably the most eccentric of all decades in the history of American popular music. One of the bands that hit the big time in this era was Squirrel Nut Zippers, a Chapel Hill, NC band that straddled the line of swing music and New Orleans jazz. Their hit single “Hell” was ubiquitous on alternative radio in 1996.

    Sunday night, the revamped version of Squirrel Nut Zippers rolled into the Center for the Arts of Homer, once the Homer Baptist Church, to hold a Palm Sunday service of their own, rapt with swing music, New Orleans style brass, Klezmer and old school crooning.

    Riding the release of their first album in 18 years, Beasts of Burgundy, the new version of the Zippers provided the near sellout crowd with Vaudeville style entertainment and world class musicianship.

    The band has been revamped after relocating to New Orleans and showcases some of the genre’s best musicians, including Dr. Sick, the spirited fiddler/multi-instrumentalist who stole the show with his outgoing and somewhat suggestive performance. Sick had a local connection to the show, Cortland musician Chris Merkley opened the show in the Community Space at the Center for the Arts of Homer. He documented his connection with Dr. Sick and the Squirrel Nut Zippers in a Facebook post on Friday:

    https://www.facebook.com/cmerkley/posts/10155196362865825

    The Zippers kicked off the show with a rousing rendition of a new song, “Karnival Joe From Kokomo,” a song that would fit right in with the 1996 Zippers’ catalog. The remainder of the night was a mix of old and new songs mixed with many jokes. When attending a Zippers show, you’re not just going to dance, you’re going to laugh your ass off. Between songs, band leader Jimbo Mathus and Dr. Sick riffed off each other with a string of cringe-worthy Dad jokes and bad bird puns that had the audience simultaneously laughing and wincing.

    The highlight of the night was when Mathus introduced the “dancing portion” of the night. Permission was asked for audience members, who had largely been seat-ridden most of the show, to get up and dance for the upcoming section of the show. Mathus often referred to the early Zippers’ catalog as “songs from the past century.” These songs comprised the “dancing portion” of the night and the crowd complied. The band ripped into “Bad Businessman,” “Hell” and the rousing Klezmer-style song “Ghost of Stephen Foster” to finish out their outstanding set.

    The encore consisted of “Axman Jazz,” “Prince Nez,” “Plenty More” and another new song, “Hey Shango!,” a Cuban-style romp from their latest album that led to a Second Line exit for the band. The Second Line wound its way through the audience and made its way to the Community Space, where the band continued playing before settling in for pictures and autographs with fans.

    The Center for the Arts of Homer proved to be a tremendous host for a show like this and the Squirrel Nut Zippers were very grateful for those who attended. And the Zippers proved that original American music is not dead.

  • Hearing Aide: Progger ‘Dystopia’

    Progger has put together a masterful ensemble to release an album that consists of layers of different music to stimulate all your senses. Progressive jazz-rock-funk fusion Progger released their fourth album Dystopia recently. Twelve musicians make up the credits for the album — from New York City, Austin, Texas, and Los Angeles.

    This album puts some of the best work right in the beginning to show listeners how explosive this band can be. “Oba-bow” sets the tone for the album with a dramatic build-up that teases the expectation of a musical journey that takes you high and low.

    The bass must be played at an appropriate level when listening to Dystopia. Without proper speakers, the listener will not get the full effect of the tremendousness of the sound Progger creates.

    Progger does a great job of mixing energy and taking it away to a peaceful melody. On “Housewives” the soothing, soft sounds go from an R&B feeling to something grittier when the guitarist shows off his skills.

    The brass and keys really give Progger their impressive sound. The album title track, “Dystopia,” brings out a progressive melody from the saxophone, while delivering some pretty sounds from the piano and going off the other end with the keyboards. Some of it is reminiscent of classical music.

    “Adryllanin” is a crescendo that has a very soft beginning and progresses into a loud collaboration of all the instruments to pull together a beautiful song. “Adrenal Interlude” brings out some different sounds from Progger. The funky dance beat is fun. It’s just a short song, but perfect for the middle of the album to keep the energy flowing. The energy stays consistent through “Morning Star.” The end of the album transitions to softer, soulful sounds. “Choom” keeps the same level throughout and is an easy-listening song for relaxation.

    “Sinister decisions” features a mellow, energetic tone. The harmony between all the instruments takes on a different journey. “Haunt” comes in soft like a lullaby. The album’s structure flows well to end with softer songs. Beautifully written, “Haunt” feels like a proper conclusion to a good time. One last song, “Sinister Prelude,” is a short outro to conclude the album with just a few more fun noises from the band before they go.

    Progger’s Dystopia is a quality album that deserves recognition and accolade. The music is a soundtrack to a good time. Whether you are relaxing by yourself or hosting a party with a few friends, Dystopia is an album to keep in your collection for the right moment.

    Performing on this album are Daniel Watson (drums), Devin Collins (drums and electronic percussion), Steve Anthony Belvilus (drums on “Morning Star”), Nicholas Clark (electric bass and synth bass), Bryan Ladd (electric bass), Isamu McGregor (keyboards), Carter Arrington (guitar), Daniel Muniz (guitar), Akira Ishiguro (guitar), Matthew Muehling (guitar), Paul Deemer (trombone), and Brian Donohoe (saxophone, keyboard, drum loops, and additional guitar).

    Key Tracks: Oba-Bow, Housewives, Sinister Prelude

  • Your Almost Complete St. Patrick’s Day Across New York State

    Any good St. Patrick’s Day celebration includes music. Music and the Irish are inseparable. According to the latest U.S. Census, nearly 12 percent of the U.S. population claim some Irish ancestry, a total of 35 million people. A very high percentage of this population is centered in the Northeast U.S., particularly right here in New York State. So, it is only fitting that the day to celebrate the Irish would be rife with music across the state. Naturally, a state with such deep Irish roots celebrates the day with parades following the parade activities, much live music can be found around New York.  NYS Music provides you with a listing of some St. Patrick’s Day festivities from the North Country to Long Island, Albany to Buffalo. Whether you crave traditional Irish music, reggae, punk, reggae, rock or blues, we have you covered.

    st. patrick's day new york state

    North Country

    Gug’s in Glens Falls offers a St. Patrick’s Day Rock Show, featuring hometown rockers the Stable Gentlemen and Lake George’s Iüdica.

    st patrick's day
    The Stable Gentlemen

    Saratoga singer-songwriter Katie Louise will perform a set at Main Street in Saugerties beginning at 9:30.

    Plattsburgh’s seminal venue, the Monopole hosts Burlington’s Jiggawaltz for the funkster’s first appearance at in quite some time at the venue.

    Capital District

    If you’re in Albany for the St. Patrick’s Day parade, start your day off with a brunch at the Savoy Taproom on Lark. From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. you can enjoy traditional Irish music from Toss the Feathers while enjoying traditional Irish food.

    All day long, the Pearl Street Pub offers live music with DJs at night. Larry Ross gets things rolling followed by an appearance from the City of Albany Pipe Band.

    Following the parade, head on down to Paulys Hotel on Central for an after-party with the sometimes punk, sometimes ska, sometimes rap act Smittix with special guest Feral Meryl from 2-6 p.m.

    The Heritage Bar on Vly Road host the classic rock band Working Class Rock. If power pop is more your thing, you can check out the Charlie Watts Riots while supporting a cause at the Low Beat on Central. The riot begins at 8 p.m.

    The Charlie Watts Riots

    Celtic Hall, located on New Karner Road, hosts its own post-parade party beginning at 5 p.m. The City of Albany Pipe Band continues its busy day with an appearance at Celtic Hall, along with the An Clar Irish Dancers and the popular Celtic-rock band Hair of the Dog. Hair of the Dog has been performing since 1993 and is a regular act at Irish festivals throughout the northeast.

    Albany’s Ancient Order of Hibernians hosts local Irish rockers, Kilashandra from 4-10 p.m. Kilashandra will also be performing a late night set at Saratoga’s Parting Glass Pub from 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.

    Also in Saratoga, a special night celebrating female voices in Irish music featuring the Grady Girls and Kara Doyle is going down at the legendary Caffe Lena. The kid-friendly event begins at 8 p.m.

    Central NY

    Funk ‘n Waffles in Syracuse gives St. Patrick’s Day a little zydeco flair with the soulful, funky, blues of hometown boys, Los Blancos, starting at 3:00. Dubbed “The Hardest Working Band in Syracuse,” Los Blancos has a proven track record of packing venues and laying down the funk.

    Syracuse’s symphony, Symphoria, will perform a pops concert celebrating the Music of the Emerald Isle at the Onondaga County Civic Center beginning at 7:30. Tickets for this special event, which features violinist Maria Kaneko Millar a performer with Riverdance productions on Broadway as well as the touring version, are still available through the Symphoria website. Prices range from free for 18 and under to $38.

    Maria Kaneko Millar

    EDM jamband, Phasers Engage puts an interesting twist on the day’s festivities, throwing a house party on Tennyson Ave. with free beer for anyone 21 and over. They’ll perform from 1-3 p.m.

    If you’re looking for more traditional Irish fare along the lines of the Clancy Brothers, Tommy Makem or the Dubliners, head out to Jake Hafner’s Restaurant & Tavern in North Syracuse for Quigsy and the Bird from 5-9 p.m.

    The Syracuse Polish Home hosts its annual parade day corned beef and cabbage dinner with entertainment from 4-9 p.m. Jo Duz provides Irish and folk music from 4-6 p.m. followed by Just Joe from 6-9 p.m.

    If you’re out Utica way, Nick Piccininni and Jay Barady of Floodwood are performing at the recently re-vamped John Devereux’s Tavern from noon until 4 p.m.

    Piggy Pat’s Smoke and Ale House in Washington Mills, just outside of Utica, is now under new ownership, but that hasn’t changed the music offerings they’ve presented over the years. The Blarney Rebel Band will take the floor from 1-4 p.m. This veteran Celtic band from Utica performs traditional Irish music from pub tunes to sea shanties to moving ballads and rousing rebel songs.

    Woodland Farm Brewery in Marcy, just north of Utica, gets the day off to an early start. The local farm brewery opens at 8 a.m. for liquid breakfast and keeps the party going all day, highlighted by bluegrass from Remsen Social Club starting at 1 p.m.

    The Continental Kit Band will perform at the 16 Stone Brewpub in Holland Patent. Doors open at noon with Irish stew, Reubens and an almost Irish Red ready for sampling.

    If you’re in Rome, Copper City Brewing Company is offering traditional Irish music by Mighty Craic from 1-3 p.m. Mighty Craic is a trio with deep roots in the Central New York Irish scene. This farm brewery will also have a taco truck on hand as well as two Irish beers freshly tapped for the day.

    Western NY

    Out west, Rochester, as always, has several musical offerings for St. Patrick’s Day. The Crooked North brings its brand of Rust Belt bluegrass to the Little Theatre on East Ave. from 8-10 p.m.

    Three Heads Brewing hosts the reggae vibe of Personal Blend from 8-11 p.m. There is a $5 cover charge for one of Rochester’s favorite reggae bands.

    The Montage Music Hall has a ’90s night on tap for St. Patrick’s Day. The 8 p.m. show features Pearl Jam tribute act, Given to Fly, R.E.M. tribute act, Dead Letter Office and Flannel Millennium, who covers music from such ’90s alt-rock staples as Stone Temple Pilots, Weezer, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Alice in Chains. Tickets for the show are $20 in advance and available at the Montage website.

    Cathie Ryan, the original lead of Irish-American sensation, Cherish the Ladies, joins the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre for a Celtic Celebration both Friday March 16 and Saturday March 17. The shows begin at 8 p.m. The combination of Ryan’s beautiful voice and sarcastic wit, accompanied by the RPO, promises to be a unique night of music in the Flower City.

    In the Nickel City, Nietzsche’s is hosting a trio of bands headlined by Philadelphia progressive metal band, Phantasm. The eclectic show will have Buffalo natives, the Buffalo Brass Machine and Amateur Hockey Club opening.

    The Buffalo Iron Works welcomes Vancouver Celtic rockers, The Town Pants and Whitesboro native Tim Britt with his Tim Britt Band. Syracuse native and Pale Green Stars drummer, Jeff Tripoli, plays drums for the Pants, who also perform at the Smith Opera House in Geneva on March 16. The 9 p.m. Buffalo Iron Works show has a ticket price of $17-22.

    NYS Music 87/90 artists, the Intrepid Travelers, return to their home base, the Sportsmens Tavern on Amherst for St. Paddy’s Day for a psychedelic jam session. Doors for the two set show open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10.

    Downstate

    Larry Kirwan of Black 47 brings his St. Patrick’s Day show to YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts in Bay Shore. Aside from fronting the politically reactive New York-based band Black 47, Irish expatriate Kirwan hosts the show Celtic Crush for Sirius XM.  He’ll be joined by Deni Bonet (violin), Coty Cockrell (keyboards), Thomas Hamlin (drums), Rene Hart (double bass), Andrew Sharp (Uilleann pipes). The band will be releasing a new single for the occasion, a remake David Bowie’s “Heroes” from a Belfast perspective. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show are $47.

    Legendary Queens punks, Murphy’s Law will perform at the Brooklyn Bazzar with Drunken Rampage, Moral Panic and Runny. The 7 p.m. show costs $17 and tickets are available through Ticketweb.

    Needless to say, there is no shortage of live music available to music fans across the Empire State on St. Patrick’s Day no matter what your taste. This is but a snapshot of all that is happening across the state on one day. If your area wasn’t covered by this piece, leave us a message, comment or tweet us @NYStateMusic. NYS Music’s mission is to expose ALL of New York’s musicians, venues and scenes and with your help, we can do just that. Now take this list and get out and enjoy some music!

    Lá fhéile Pádraig sona duit!

Built in Breakdance