“Fake You,” indie pop artist Yoke Lore‘s recent single, off his upcoming album Absolutes, finds him exploring the grey areas between black and white ideas while building upon the lush, sonic palette of his past works. Adrian Galvin, formerly of Walk the Moon and Yellerkin, embarks on a solo musical endeavor that combines echoing waves of banjo, vocals, and percussion to create unforgettable pop songs with tactile sincerity and conviction.
Galvin will release Absolutes in the summer of 2018 after a cross-country spring tour with FRENSHIP. Discussing the upcoming album, Galvin explains, “These songs all gravitate around the struggle between two sides of something. The opening track, “Fake You,” is about the difficulty of realizing your perception of someone doesn’t necessarily match who they really are. “Cut And Run” follows, conveying the instinct to flee versus the instinct to find a home, and “Concrete” illustrates Galvin’s struggle between living in the city and being in the country. “So, they are all the conflicts of absolutes,” he states. “There must be a balance, some movement and some pull. A life of absolutes is no life at all.”
Galvin first hit the ground running in 2016 with Yoke Lore’s debut EP, Far Shore, released on B3Sci Records. In 2017, the title track of his 2017 EP Goodpain hit #1 on Hype Machine, and quickly after his songs caught fire on Spotify, racking up over 10 million plays throughout the year. The new music finds multi-instrumentalist, dancer, and visual artist Adrian Galvin polishing his heartfelt anthems and ruminating on finding balance amid respective oppositions by breaking through the notion that truth necessitates purity.
The Squirrel Nut Zippers are back in business with their highly anticipated new album, Beasts of Burgundy is the first release in eighteen years.The twelve tracks are “inspired by the city of New Orleans, the poet Ron Cuccia, and a disregard for convention.” Pre-orders are being taken for the album, which will be available March 23 via Southern Broadcasting. They are already on tour for the album, and additional dates have been scheduled. They’ll be playing in the Northeast from late March to early April, with shows at the Center for the Arts of Homer on March 25 and City Winery in New York City on March 28. Tickets are on sale now.
Squirrel Nut Zippers – 2018 Tour Dates
March 2 – Palm Springs, CA – McCallum
March 3 – San Juan Capistrano, CA – Coach House
March 4 – Berkeley, CA – Freight & Salvage
March 5 – Santa Cruz, CA – Rio Theatre
March 6 – Arcata, CA – Humboldt State
March 7 – Nevada City, CA – Miner’s Foundry
March 8 – Reno, NV – The Saint
March 9 – Grants Pass, OR – The Rogue Theatre
March 10 – Eugene, OR – Jacqua Concert Hall
March 11 – Portland, OR – Aladdin Theater
March 13 – Seattle, WA -Triple Door
March 14 – Seattle, WA – Triple Door
March 22 – Alexandria, VA – The Birchmere
March 23 – Pittsburgh, PA – Jergels
March 24 – Williamsport, PA – Arts Center March 25 – Homer, NY – Homer Arts Center
March 27 – Philadelphia, PA – World Cafe March 28 – New York, NY – City Winery
March 29 – New Haven, CT – The Ballroom
March 30 – Fall River, MA – Narrows
March 31 – Plymouth, NH – Flying Monkey
April 1 -Burlington, VT – Higher Ground
April 2 – Boston, MA – The Sinclair
April 28 – Oxford, MS – Double Decker Festival
April 29 – New Orleans, LA – Tipitina’s
May 10 – Houston, TX – The Heights Theater
May 11 – Dallas, TX – The Kessler Theater
May 12 – Tulsa, OK – The Vanguard
May 13 – Wichita, KS – Crown Uptown Theatre
May 15 – Indianapolis, IN – The Hi-Fi
May 16 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom
May 17 – Columbus, OH – Skully’s Music Diner
May 18 – Newport, KY – Southgate House
May 19 – Milwaukee, WI – Wilson Center
May 20 – Chicago, IL – City Winery
John Fogerty and ZZ Top join forces for a ‘Blues and Bayous Tour’ this year. These Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legends set off on their epic musical journey in New Jersey in May, with stops in New York at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh on June 20 and Marvin Sands Theater in Canandaigua on June 23. Tickets go on sale to the general public on March 2 at 10am local time. Presale ticket information can be found on the websites for John Fogerty and ZZ Top.
John Fogerty and ZZ Top Blues and Bayous Tour
May 25 – Atlantic City, NJ – Borgata Spa & Resort – Event Center
May 26 – Holmdel, NJ – P.N.C. Bank Arts Center
May 27 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
May 29 – Vienna, VA – Wolf Trap
May 30 – Vienna, VA – Wolf Trap
June 1 – Pensacola, FL – Pensacola Bay Center
June 2 – Clearwater, FL – Coachman Park
June 3 – West Palm Beach,FL – Coral Sky Amphitheater
June 5 – St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheater
June 6 – Atlanta, GA – TBA
June 10 – Oklahoma City, OK – Zoo Amphitheater
June 12 – Chicago, IL – TBA
June 13 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center
June 14 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
June 16 – Southaven, MS – BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove
June 17 – Maryland Heights, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
June 19 – Youngstown, OH – Covelli Centre June 20 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Heath at Jones Beach Theater
June 22 – Gilford, NH – Bank of NH Pavillion June 23 – Canandaigua, NY – Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center
June 24 – Camden, NJ – BB&T Pavilion
June 26 – Mt. Pleasant, MI – Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort *with Willie Nelson
June 27 – Detroit, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre
June 29 – Welch, MN – Treasure Island Resort & Casino
In baseball, one of the most effective tools in a pitcher’s arsenal is to throw a pitch the batter isn’t expecting. Kansas City resident and unabashed Royals baseball fan Samantha Fish was equally effective in keeping a Syracuse audience guessing what was coming next by throwing a variety of aural curveballs at them during her performance on February 9 at the Westcott Theater.
A blustery winter evening saw over two hundred music fans turn out at the Westcott Theater in Syracuse, New York for a double bill of Judge Gazza and headliner Samantha Fish. Both of these artists held surprises for anyone expecting straight ahead blues music. Gazza is a ubiquitous presence at Central New York live music events, supporting his fellow artists and promoting future shows. A burly, barrel-chested man with some prominent chin whiskers, he opened the show accompanied by Joel Reissig on drums. Gazza played slide and finger-picking style on a colorful folk art style cigar box guitar decorated with his name on the fretboard. His vocals were a gruff, gravel-throated sound that took some getting used to, but fit well with a number of the more aggressive tunes in a spectrum that drew from from Mississippi hill country blues to punk rock. Overall, his set was reminiscent of everything from Social Distortion and the White Stripes to Sleepy John Estes and R. L. Burnside, whose “Poor Black Mattie” was covered by Gazza.
Samantha Fish has built a reputation as a popular festival act touring for nearly a decade as a blues trio, with a large slice of cigar-box slide guitar playing of her own. Her latest album and her latest touring band are a decided sonic shift from many of her previous recordings and performances, more roots rock than blues. That may have been unexpected for some attendees anticipating only her older repertoire. Fortunately, Fish’s guitar skills, vocals, and the dense layers of sound that her five piece backing band added were enthusiastically received by the vast majority. Her songs had elements of soul, gospel, country, and Americana, and she was sure to show off her guitar chops on the more blues-tinged numbers, as well as on a roaring cover of the Rolling Stones’ “Heartbreaker.” The variety of styles and sounds kept Fish’s guitar tech busy, frequently changing between an offset Telecaster, Fender Jaguar, Gibson SG, Taylor acoustic, and a gorgeous custom Delaney guitar, before making her way to a cigar box guitar for a second encore.
Among the highlights were the beautiful, plaintive “Need You More,” and the infectious “Somebody’s Always Trying,” accented by the punch of Alex Massa on trumpet, Chris Spies on saxophone and the driving beat of Scott Graves on drums that had dozens of folks up and dancing. Rounding out the band were Chris Alexander on bass guitar and Phil Breen on keyboards.
Fish’s set consisted primarily of songs from her two most recent recordings, Chills and Fever, and her latest, Belle of the West, both on Ruf Records. Each of these 2017 releases have received prominent critical acclaim. The former was named in NY Times music critic Jon Caramanica’s Best of 2017 list. Regarding the latter, Rolling Stone, despite calling Fish a country artist, said, “it sounds like the intersection of coffee-shop folk and juke-joint blues, performed in a sophisticated jazz club.” A broad but apt description, as Fish would likely appeal to fans of artists as diverse as the retro sounds of Duffy or Amy Winehouse, the alt-country of Maria McKee and Lone Justice, to the blues and soul of the Tedeschi Trucks Band. Perhaps most remarkably, Fish now has five studio albums to her name, thousands of performances, international acclaim, and is not yet thirty years old. The future is bright for the Kansas City-based artist, and you should be part of it the next time she’s playing nearby.
Judge Gazza Setlist: Nobody’s Fault But Mine, Going to Brownsville, Jelly Roll, Black Mattie, Bunny Foo Foo, Up Da Punx, Amen, Black Betty, Rollin’ & Tumblin’, Dirty Get Down, You Gotta Move> Nobody’s Fault But Mine
Samantha Fish Setlist: Hello Stranger, American Dream, Blood in the Water, You Can’t Go, Chills and Fever, Little Baby, Don’t Say You Love Me, Need You More, No Angels, Somebody’s Always Trying, Belle of the West, Gone for Good, Nearer to You, Cowtown, Daughters> Heartbreaker
United We Swing: Best of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Galas, is soon to be released compilation of selections from shows that Wynton Marsalis and his Septet performed from 2003–2007. An all-star cast of musicians joins the compilation, set for release on March 23.
Joining Marsalis on the compilation are Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Lenny Kravitz, Willie Nelson, John Mayer, John Legend, Blind Boys of Alabama, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, James Taylor, Ray Charles, Natalie Merchant, Jimmy Buffett, Carrie Smith, Audra McDonald and Lyle Lovett. Marsalis says of the the release, “On this recording and in these concerts, we came together to affirm common roots, to celebrate the diversity of our creativity, and to pass the reality of our best achievements on to our kids. We were, and are, United in Swing.”
Pre-order United We Swinghere, with all album proceeds supporting children’s music education around the world.
United We Swing Tracklist
1. “The Last Time” feat. Blind Boys of Alabama
2. “It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry” feat. Bob Dylan
3. “I’m Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town” feat. Ray Charles
4. “I’m Not Rough” feat. Eric Clapton
5. “Creole Love Call” feat. Audra McDonald
6. “Milk Cow Blues” feat. Willie Nelson
7. “I’m Gonna Find Another You” feat. John Mayer
8. “My Baby Don’t Tolerate” feat. Lyle Lovett
9. “The Worst Thing” feat. Natalie Merchant
10. “Please Baby Don’t” feat. John Legend
11. “Mean Old Man” feat. James Taylor
12. “Are You Gonna Go My Way” feat. Lenny Kravitz
13. “Fool’s Paradise” feat. Jimmy Buffett
14. “Empty Bed Blues” feat. Carrie Smith
15. “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free” feat. Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks
16. “What Have You Done?”
Rhiannon Payne knew she wanted to be a music superstar since the very beginning of her life.
“I was 3 years old when someone told me ‘Hey kid you can sing,’” said the Syracuse native. “So that was kind of it for me.”
She’s ready to take her career to the next level with a new album and tour planned this summer. The album, which she hasn’t titled yet, will include 10 tracks, and she hopes to have it released by early June with a two-month tour to coincide.
Payne will share her talents at Funk ‘N Waffles on Clinton Street in Syracuse at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9.
EARLY EXPERIENCE
Payne explored her musical talent often growing up and she worked hard pursuing her career. She took music classes and participated in chorus, but it was a band that guided her.
“I was in a band for three years, and that really helped me realize what I wanted to do,” she said.
From age 13-16 Payne sang for the pop-punk/alternative band Nextake. She familiarized herself with the stage through singing and playing local venues.
“I love performing in front of people,” she said.
Nextake performed at local venues around Syracuse, and one big feat Payne was proud of was opening for The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus at the Westcott Theater in April 2012.
“That was an amazing experience,” she said.
In high school she started buckling down to prepare for the journey ahead.
“I took every opportunity I could to put myself here,” she said. “It was kind of like my accumulation of taking all of the tools and people I had to help me out — I took advantage of everything I had.”
“I met wonderful people there who really knew how to tie and relate what I learned in school to my actual career.”
Payne didn’t want to go to college because she thought it wouldn’t help her career. But she found classes she could apply to singing and help her voice for the long-term. So she pursued a degree from Onondaga Community College and graduated with an associate’s degree in applied science.
NEXT STEPS
Now that Payne honed in on her talents, she is focused on her album and the next steps for her path of success. She hired a manager at the end of last year, she has a producer working on her album, and she also hired a promoter as well.
“My music was beginning to falter because I couldn’t spend time to practice or write,” she said. “It got super overwhelming. I understand why musicians need large teams of people to do what they do.”
She said she wrapped up recording for mostly everything on the album and is going back and forth with the editing process. Shane Patterson is working as the producer out of Hobin Studios in Phoenix, NY.
The album includes eight new songs and two she has already released. “Bedtime Stories” was published in October with a music video. “Through Me” was a song she had produced and released in May 2015.
Payne is shooting for early June to release her album. She is planning to have a huge party and then have a two-month tour lined up around New York and New York City.
She said her ultimate goal is to move to Nashville, to continue developing as an artist.
“I want to get experience writing and collaborating with more musicians,” she said. “I want to learn as much as I can from a large music capital.”
PLAYING STYLE
When it comes to her music, Payne said she likes to play all types of genres.
“No one can really ‘genre-tize’ my music,” she said. “One song will sound jazzy, one will sound like Irish folk.”
While she can play many different instruments, she is often seen with a guitar. At her shows, fans can expect to hear her original songs with some covers added to the setlist.
Since she likes to play all genres, she said she covers anything — giving classic rock, Ariana Grande and Paramore as examples of the variety she includes.
The show at Funk ‘N Waffles will include a set by former Nextake bandmember Dylan Aird. Payne said she is excited for the show and they will perform together for a song during each other’s set.
One last thing about Payne’s name in case it sounded familiar: She was named after the Fleetwood Mac song. And Stevie Nicks did inspire Payne at a young age.
“I saw her rocking on stage and I would say ‘Yup, that’s gonna be me.’”
SEE RHIANNON PAYNE LIVE
WHAT: Rhiannon Payne with Dylan Aird
WHERE: Funk ‘N Waffles 307 Clinton St., Syracuse, NY 13202
We’re back with another great slate of shows for you to see in Rochester in February. The typical winter slowdown doesn’t seem to be happening this year. These suggestions just scratch the surface, so time to break out of your cabin fever and go see some live music!
Saturday, February 3 Huntertones @ Abilene Bar and Lounge
During the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival, Rochester gets to experience some of the best music the world has to offer. The artists, in turn, get to experience the best Rochester has to offer as a music town. Lucky for us, this gets many of the acts to return, even in the off season. The Huntertones were a hit with their sets at this past year’s festival and they’re back for an encore at the intimate Abilene Bar and Lounge. The old juke joint will be jumping with their big brass sound. They’re not afraid to throw in some uniquely surprising covers in the mix; their version of “God Only Knows” was a highlight this summer.
Monday, February 5 Honeysuckle @ Funk ‘n Waffles Music Hall
Boston’s Honeysuckle bring their acoustic trio to Funk ‘n Waffles Music Hall. It’s traditional in nature, with guitar, banjo and mandolin. But throw in a kick drum and some non-traditional song structures and it becomes something unexpected and exciting. Three-part harmonies and wonderful songwriting bring this young group to the next level. Fans of Americana looking for something fresh but familiar will find lots to warm to here.
Wednesday, February 14 The Ballroom Thieves @ Arbor Loft
Another folk-trio from Boston, The Ballroom Thieves have been a band on the rise the past couple of years. We caught their show here a few years ago and had this to say: “It begins with Earley’s guitar work. Then sprinkle on the unique rhythms from Mauch and engaging cello work from Peters. Layer upon that what might be this bands strongest attribute, their soaring 3-part harmonies. Working all together to perform the music they’ve written, a varied collection of rockers, ballads, hymnals, barroom blues and on.” Can you think of a more perfect way to spend your Valentine’s Day?!
Saturday, February 17 Critt’s Juke Joint @ Anthology
Buffalo’s multi-instrumentalist Eric “Critt” Crittenden plays a fun mix of jazz, funk and soul he has dubbed “Soulprovisational.” His band, Juke Joint, is actually an ever-evolving, rotating cast of musicians. For this iteration he’s employed DJ Logic, Turkuaz’s Michael Carruba (drums) and Craig Broadhead (guitar), and Harry Graser on keys. Put your dancing shoes on and head down to Anthology for a funky good time.
Thursday, February 22 Oval Sandwich @ Flour City Station
Lastly this month we have Oval Sandwich. You’re forgiven if you’ve never heard of them. This will be their first show and there might not be many to follow. Dopapod is taking 2018 off from touring. Rob Compa, the guitarist, is keeping busy with other musical endeavors. He put together this Rochester supergroup of sorts (Paul McCardle: guitar – Doja, English Project, Will O’Riley: keys- The Niche, Swooners, Tristan Greene: drums – Doja, Ocular Panther and Justin Rister: bass – Moho Collective) and right now the only two shows will be this one and one in Syracuse the next night. To find out more about how he put the band together and other things he’ll be up to on the break check out an interview he did with our own Pete Mason. As to how this will sound, your guess is as good as ours. But we definitely recommend being there to find out!
The Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight returns this month for its fifth season. The exciting lineup of talented independent musicians slated to appear include The Honey Smugglers, Hanna PK, Juicy Connotation, and Jimmy Highsmith, Jr. The season makes debut on Jan. 27 with a performance by jazz pianist Laura Dubin.
Laura Dubin
On Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight, producer/host Dan Gross conducts interviews with musical guests, then invites them to perform. All shows are filmed at Bop Shop Records at 1460 Monroe Avenue, and are free and open to the public.
The lineup through the end of March has been announced, with April updates to be unveiled soon. Follow Dan Gross: Music & Journalism on Facebook to view dozens of episodes from seasons one through four and get updates on season five. Check out the NYS Music profile on Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight for more about the series.
Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight Schedule of Upcoming Events:
Saturday, January 27th – Laura Dubin
– Laura Dubin is an excellent jazz pianist and superb composer, and she recently released a two-disc album from her performance at the 2016 Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival. She will be joined by her husband on drums, Antonio H. Guerrero.Friday, February 2nd – Small Signals
– Stephen Roessner is an incredibly talented and well-respected musician and recording engineer in the Rochester area. He’s doing this solo project releasing music that set to the words of “Missed Connections” post on Craigslist.Wednesday, February 7th – Juicy Connotation
– Juicy Connotation is a smart, fun, fusion band that’s on the rise in the growing contemporary instrumental scene in Rochester. They’re gigging a lot, but you’ll never see them in this intimate setting again!Sunday, February 18th – The Honey Smugglers
– We’re already counting down the days to this one. The Honey Smugglers are beloved, respected, and one the best bands – folk or otherwise – around. Come celebrate this with us with beer tastings from Three Heads Brewing!
Wednesday, February 28th – Hanna PK
– Hanna PK is a growing part of Rochester’s blues scene. Her authenticity and personality shine through in every song. She is often joined by a number of great #blues musicians. Come watch our first #blues episode ever!
Friday, March 9th – Vanishing Sun
– Vanishing Sun is one of grooviest and most polished #contemporarysoul bands in Rochester right now. Perfectly balanced, exceptionally exciting. Led by Zahyia Rolle with an all-star cast, this is one you can’t miss.
Saturday, March 20th – Grand Canyon Rescue Episode
– GRCE is a mainstay in the folk rock WNY echelon. With a sound that’s equally at home at ROC’s many festivals, or tasteful enough for a small record store, you’ll dance your socks off for these cats.
McKinley James, the 16-year-old, self-proclaimed “rock and roller,” was featured in Eric Church’s 2014 release Mr. Misunderstood of which he also appeared on the cover and the corresponding video.
James has since been making himself more understood by those listening to him play the blues and good, old-fashioned rock and roll with his guitar. He just recently dropped a live EP, McKinley James Live in Nashville, and is currently on tour. He’ll come rolling into town this week to play at The Ale House in Troy on Sunday, Jan. 14, at 8 p.m. For tickets and information, go to brownpapertickets.com.
We were able to exchange a few emails back and forth to find out what’s going in James’ life, and what people ought to know about Mr. Understood.
Michael Hallisey: You’re a teenager in Nashville. You as a music lover, that’s got to be a wonderful place to live.
McKinley James: Moving to Nashville was a really exciting move, there is great live music happening everywhere. Also moving here has inspired me to practice much more, everywhere you turn is an amazing guitar player.
MH: You’re originally from Webster, NY — when did you move to Tennessee? What was that like for you?
MJ: We moved about a year and a half ago, it was exciting. We had visited Nashville many times before we moved so my parents could figure things out like where we should live, so when we were there my dad would take me out to clubs so I could see as much live music as I could.
MH: Your taste in music is not “normal,” and you are aware of how far-reaching your curiosity and tastes lead you. How did your appreciation in the blues develop?
MJ: I grew up with listening to all my dad’s (Jason Smay of The Los Straitjackets) records and he’s a big fan of blues music, plus he played in lots of blues bands so I was always around it.
MH: How much did your father play a role in your love for music?
MJ: A lot! My younger brothers know a lot about music, too, because it’s always on at the house.
MH: Blues music is more than just a genre — can you share with me how you feel while you listen and when you play?
MJ: Well, that’s a tricky question. Blues music to me is the base for all the styles of music I love and play. I consider myself more of a rock and roller. I try to play what feels good, not necessarily a certain genre. In my live shows we play rock ’n’ roll and soul music, too.
MH: Please break down for me how you wound up associated with Eric Church for “Mr. Misunderstood”?
MJ: That’s a really long story! But, short version is, we were visiting Nashville staying with Mr. John Peets who is Mr. Church’s manager. How we got to stay there is another story, but Mr. Peets met my brothers and me while we were there, and I guess he noticed me wandering around all day in the house, outside playing my guitar, and that I was a greaser and only 13. Fast forward a few months and Mr. Church delivered his new record to Mr. Peets, and the title track “Mr. Misunderstood.” Mr. Peets said it hit him that I was that kid! Didn’t care about anything but what I was into, which is music, and for me going the opposite direction than the crowd never bothered me.
MH: How was that experience for you, and what did you learn?
MJ: The experience was awesome. Mr. Peet’s is one of the coolest guys I’ve met. His love for music is awesome, and he treated my family and me like we were his family. Getting to meet Mr. Church was great. He is a super nice guy, too. As is his awesome band. I’ve actually become good friends with Jeff Cease, lead guitar player in Mr. Church’s band. I learned that in the music business opportunity can happen anywhere and at anytime.
MH: You are in the midst of a tour, do you have a record release in the works?
MJ: We are starting to put demos together for a session later this spring.
MH: With the old stereotype of blues being something for older men and women, what kind of reception do you get on stage?
MJ: I think that with all music if you are true to what’s in your heart and enjoy performing, people can connect young or old. it’s the feeling that gets people, not necessarily the genre. I love some Dr. Dre songs and get as excited as when I hear Bobby Blue Bland.
This article was originally published by The Spot 518
Imagine a cross between the shows Off Camera with Sam Jones and NPR’s Tiny Desk. Picture the best musicians in the local scene performing and being interviewed at neighborhood venues. And then envision yourself being part of a live audience. For music lovers in Rochester, this is a reality. Music journalist Dan Gross has devoted the past year and a half to bringing this vision to life.Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight highlights the best of the rich and diverse music scene in Rochester, which was recently voted best music town by staff in the Best of NYS Music poll.
With an exciting lineup of guests and the support of sponsors, Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight’s “Season5” promises to be exciting. “We want to make this the biggest season yet,” Gross told NYS Music. During the off season, he lined up a slew of talented performers. To support the expansion of the program to sixteen episodes, new and returning sponsors are pledging support. One of the new partnerships has led to the creation of a spin-off series. To top it all off, a fundraising campaign this month may make it possible to to air the series on television, in addition to the web.
Rochester’s Premiere Music Interview and Performance Series
“Season 5” will showcase sixteen musical acts representing a variety of genres. Among the guests slated to appear are Grammy-nominated jazz saxophonist Jimmie Highsmith Jr., beloved folk band The Honey Smugglers, blues singer/pianist Hanna PK, and comedic songs by Small Signals from their Missed Connections album. This season concludes with the series’ landmark fiftieth episode.
The majority of episodes are filmed at Bop Shop Records, an independent record shop that carries a wide array of music and specializes in fine condition vinyl. Serving the community since 1982, the shop was originally in Village Gate and is now located at 1460 Monroe Ave. It was the first sponsor of the Spotlight, a partner since the second season in mid-2016. Gross is grateful for the the shop’s owner, Tom Kohn, as the use of venue space allowed the show to expand from a straight interview program to a mixed interview and concert format.
“To say that Bop Shop Records is the reason this show is happening is an exceptional understatement,” Gross said. “This place – a space dedicated to kindness, building a community and helping people, and great music and records regardless of genre – are the same values that the Spotlight lives by.”
“We really enjoyed being able to perform at Bop Shop,” said Marty LoFaso of Tart Vandelay. “The show is a great, one-of-a-kind aspect of our music scene.”
Filling a Niche
The longevity of Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight can be credited to both the quality of programming and the high standards established by Gross. After graduating college with a double major in Broadcasting and Music, he has found many outlets for his talents. He has bylines as a writer for the Democrat and Chronicle and Eastman School of Music. He’s on the crew of the local web show My Hometown. You can also find Gross hosting and producing the music interview podcast “Extended Harmony” for jazz record label Outside In Music and hosting a show on Jazz 90.1 on Mondays from 6-8pm.
Gross started Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight because he wanted to find a way to combine his broadcast journalism skills with his deep appreciation for the Rochester music scene.
“The philosophy of the show has always been to try to come at it with a journalistic approach,” said Gross. “I believe one of the reasons the show is successful is that it’s not gimmicky… The show doesn’t substitute a gimmick for meaningful material.”
The overarching goal is to become a benchmark for musicians, providing them with not only exposure to a wider audience and a shareable video, but to be able to become a stepping stone in their career. “I want my show to get to the point where if you’ve come on, that’s a stepping point for you,” Gross said. “I want to give people that ‘Spotlight boost.’”
“If you’re not doing it to help someone out, what’s the point?” Gross went on to explain. “That’s the difference between content and something that’s meaningful, is that it’s about people. Content is about views. But I’m trying to help people. There are people who live here who don’t understand how much live music is here, or how important Rochester is as an arts community.”
Growing The Local Scene
The show has grown from humble DIY beginnings with Gross conducting interviews and friend Stacey Baran on camera. Gross has operated the program on a shoestring budget, learning how to do a multitude of technical tasks himself, including audio mixing and color correcting video. He still tries to do as much as he can to contain costs. He’s deeply thankful to everyone who has helped the program to grow. From videographers Jason Thibault (producer of My Hometown) and Dallas Greene to a growing number of musicians, viewers, and sponsors.
“This show is not possible without other people,” said Gross. In addition to connecting musicians with an audience, the show promotes local independent businesses and venues which promote the local music scene.Bernunzio Uptown Music, a shop renowned for its quality vintage instruments, has hosted some of the Spotlight shows. Rowe Photo, Video and Audio, a place where Gross has bought some of the equipment he uses to record the sessions, was also an early supporter of the Spotlight.
Gross has been announcing new sponsors who will also be backing the program this year, including restaurant and roastery Joe Bean Coffee Roasters which features live jazz weekly and instrument sales/rental/repair shop Sound Source. There’s also a new partnership with Three Heads Brewing which launched a monthly series The Rochester Residency. The “Spotlight Spinoff” videos will highlight featured artist of the month.
The first installment of the “Spotlight Spinoff” with this month’s resident Fran Broderick was released last week. In the debut episode, Gross and Broderick chat at the brewery about Fran’s musical background. Broderick also gives viewers insight into the plans for his sets every Thursday in January: a week doing an acoustic set, another week with his band Friday in America, the third week playing Warren Zevron’s Excitable Boy with a handful of musical guests, and releasing his new album on the final week. The interview is book-ended with some clips of Broderick playing his original songs on acoustic guitar.
In addition to local business owners, viewers can also become patrons of the show. Donors to the Spotlight’s first crowd sourcing campaign are entitled to a variety of perks at various levels, including t-shirts, coupons or swag bags from sponsors, and being recognized in show credits.
If the indiegogo fundraiser reaches its target of $3,500, it will enable Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight to make the leap to television. Airing on television as well as being posted to the internet will help the show reach a wider audience. “If everyone who has ever “liked” the Facebook page gave $5, we’d reach our goal,” said Gross.
During the countdown leading up the highly anticipated “Season5,” Gross is replaying some of the episodes from the first four seasons. You can find them on Facebook at Dan Gross: Music & Journalism . Hit the follow button to get the scoop on upcoming events and new episodes.
A blustery winter evening saw over two hundred music fans turn out at the Westcott Theater in Syracuse, New York for a double bill of Judge Gazza and headliner Samantha Fish. Both of these artists held surprises for anyone expecting straight ahead blues music. Gazza is a ubiquitous presence at Central New York live music events, supporting his fellow artists and promoting 
