If there’s anything I’ve learned about Boy Jr., it’s to expect the unexpected. Rochester native Erica Lubman has been experimenting with music since childhood, combining her love for garage rock and indie pop with a flair for dramatic fashion. She’s equally likely to turn up on stage in a retro matching tracksuit as a leather skirt and torn T-shirt. As with her wardrobe, she shows off a wide range of songs in her repertoire – from punk to grunge.
Boy Jr.’s latest release “Anyway” shows her ability to continue to stretch and grow in innovative ways. “Anyway” pairs guitar-driven rock with spunky girl power (think Cage The Elephant meets Caroline Rose). Give it a spin!
Go to Spotify to hear more by Boy Jr. and follow on Facebook for upcoming shows.
Blue: the color of emotion. Savage: a primitive ferocity. Put together, “Blue Savage” is an apt title for a song that juxtaposes emotive vocal styling with heavy, driving riffs. While the four-piece indie rock project Old Fame is brand new, the players are seasoned veterans of the regional music scene: Ben Armes (vocals / guitar), Evan Clark (guitar), Jay Asarese (bass), and Doug Kelley (drums).
“Blue Savage” will be featured on Old Fame’s debut self-titled EP due out January 7. The songs for Old Fame were engineered and mixed by Josh Pettinger, and mastered by Greg Thompson at Wicked Squid Studios.
When the music festival season approaches each year, music enthusiast love to speculate about which artist will appear on the bill. After all the speculation, rumors start to post online leading music festival lovers contemplating.
Carlos Santana – Turning Stone Event Center
With the rumored Woodstock 50th Anniversary around the corner, multiple names have been thrown around as who would appear at the epic anniversary show, but there is one thing different about this show from all the others. With all the hype that surrounds Woodstock, artists are starting to add to the rumors by saying they want to be a part of it.
The first artist to throw his hat into the ring is Carlos Santana. Being part of the original lineup, the Grammy award winning classic rock icon has recently stated that he was more excited to revisit the 1969 festival than the 20th anniversary of his smash hit album Supernatural. Santana wants in so bad, that he has even contacted original Woodstock co-founder Michael Lang. Santana stated: “We’ve talked to Michael Lang, but we don’t know if he has secured a place. If they invite me, I’m in.”
Woodstock co-founder Michael Lang recently told the Poughkeepsie Journal that even though its not a done deal, there are plans for a 2019 Woodstock anniversary show, and an official announcement should be expected soon.
A rumored lineup has surfaced for a possible anniversary show at the original site of Woodstock, the Bethel Wood Center for the Arts. Bethel Woods released a statement saying that any Bethel Woods event that takes part of the anniversary year will not be produced, sponsored, or have any affiliation with original 1969 organizers Woodstock Ventures. No official lineup has been announced for the possible Bethel Woods event that is rumored for August 15-18.
Santana was part of the possibly leaked lineup at Bethel Woods and stated that he was already booked for the Bethel event, and hopes to be able to play Lang’s event as well.
Besides Santana, the leaked lineup included Daft Punk, Bruce Springsteen, Eminem, Ariana Grande, Coldplay, Phish, The Weeknd, Elton John, Bon Jovi, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, Pink, The Who, Zac Brown Band, Mumford & Sons, and The Chainsmokers.
Dave Matthews Band has been on an extensive fall tour this year, making stops all across the United States, sounding tighter than ever and brought an incredible show to the Times Union Center in Albany, NY on December 5.
Usually, the band makes their way to the Albany area in the summer for their legendary SPAC runs in Saratoga Springs. The group opened up with “You Never Know” into “One Sweet World,” followed by “Samurai Cop (Oh Joy Begin).” Next, Dave Matthews and his band played crowd favorite “Everyday” followed by a cover of Aerosmiths’ “Sweet Emotion.”
The night was filled with crowd pleasers and hits like “Where Are You Going,” “Don’t Drink The Water” and of course “What Would You Say.” The Dave Matthews Band ended the night with a two-song encore featuring “Granny” and the Bob Dylan cover “All Along the Watchtower.” The group continues their tour through December 28 when they close in Miami, FL. Check out photos from their Albany performance below provided by Vinny Otto:
Setlist: You Never Know, One Sweet World, Samurai Cop (Oh Joy Begin), Everyday, Sweet Emotion (Aerosmith cover), Minarets, Where Are You Going, Burning Down the House (Talking Heads cover), Crush, Kill the King, What Would You Say, Here on Out, Don’t Drink The Water, Dancing Nancies, Come On Come On, Grey Street, She, You Might Die Trying
Encore: Granny, All Along the Watchtower (Bob Dylan cover)
With all the hype the new “Bohemian Rhapsody” Freddy Mercury biopic has received, it was only a matter of time the the rest of the remaining members of Queen would announce a new tour and hit the road. Summer 2019 will see Queen members once again team up with who they feel most resembles Mercury today, former American Idol star, Adam Lambert. The pairing will take “The Rhapsody Tour,” to over twenty cities, including one stop in New York on Aug. 6 at Madison square Garden. The tour kicks off July 10 in Vancouver.
Fans planning on attending the tour can guarantee to hear a set list of Queen hits and a new unique stage show that will have Queen written all over it.
Guitarist Brian May and current frontman Adam Lambert had commented on the upcoming “The Rhapsody Tour.”
May stated: “This is great opportunity. Our last tour featured our most ambitious production ever, and got us our best notices ever. So we decided to rip it apart and get even more ambitious! Watch out, America!”
Lambert added: “The show is set to expand the parameters of what a live music experience can be. To be their most spectacular yet, an innovative and interactive celebration of the continued power of Queen’s music. We have been designing a brand new visual spectacle that will reframe these iconic songs and we are excited to unveil it!”
Tickets go on sale to the general public on Dec. 7, 2018 at 10 am.
Queen + Adam Lambert “The Rhapsody Tour” Dates:
July 10 – Rogers Arena – Vancouver, British Columbia
July 12 – Tacoma Dome – Tacoma, WA
July 14 – SAP Center – San Jose, CA
July 16 – Talking Stick Resort Arena – Phoenix, AZ
July 19 – The Forum – Los Angeles, CA
July 23 – American Airlines Center – Dallas, TX
July 24 – Toyota Center – Houston, TX
July 27 – Little Caesars Arena – Detroit, MI
July 28 – Scotiabank Arena – Toronto, Ontario
July 30 – Capital One Arena – Washington, DC
July 31 – PPG Paints Arena – Pittsburgh, PA
Aug. 3 – Wells Fargo Center – Philadelphia, PA
Aug. 4 – Xfinity Center – Boston, MA Aug. 6 – Madison Square Garden – New York, NY
Aug.09 – United Center – Chicago, IL
Aug. 10 – Xcel Energy Center – St. Paul, Il
Aug. 13 – Nationwide Arena – Columbus, OH
Aug. 15 – Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN
Aug. 17 – BB&T Center – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Aug. 18 – Amalie Arena – Tampa, FL
Aug. 20 – Smoothie King Center – New Orleans, LA
Aug. 22 – State Farm Arena – Atlanta, GA
Aug. 23 – Spectrum Center NC
Located in the center of downtown Plattsburgh, The Strand Theater is a historical landmark that has been the cultural heartbeat in the North Country for almost a century. Opened on December 29, 1924, as a Vaudeville theater featuring stunning architecture and interior design. The Strand Theater provided the community with theatrical and musical productions of all types and was considered the “Pride of Northern New York.”
The Strand went through some changes over the years. In the 70’s the theater was renovated in such a way that it became a two-room movie theater, and eventually a four-room theater. The changes covered the original interior design. The beautiful and ornate features were no longer visible, and the theater took on a different feel. The theater struggled financially and went on to change hands several times until in 2004 when the North Country Cultural Center for the Arts purchased the building. This was the beginning of a ten year, four-million-dollar restoration project.
Years of hard work, public and private grants, donations, and the dedication of the community has paid off. Now known as The Strand Center Theater, the venue is flaunting the ornamental design meant from its inception in 1924. Two highlights from the restoration include the replica of the original chandelier, donated by Swavorski Lighting, and a 1924 Wurlitzer organ. The Wurlitzer was donated by Leonard and Louise Johnson of Hingham, MA, owners of the Colney Theater in Philadelphia. A group of volunteers refurbished the 1924 instrument and it is now fully functional and an astonishing sight.
Not only has the theater completed its restoration and is sporting its fancy facelift, but The Strand Center Theater also has a new Executive Director creating quite a buzz in Plattsburgh. Mr. Bob Garcia relocated from New York City to Plattsburgh and is the first permanent director for The Strand in three years. Mr. Garcia has an impressive background in theater and production. He worked at Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden in finance positions for many years. Mr. Garcia has much enthusiasm about the future of The Strand and has great ideas about ways to make the theater more and more successful with each event.
Recently Mr. Garcia brought Dave Mason, Traffic co-founder, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee to The Strand. Dave Mason is a rock legend, having an artist of this caliber grace the stage in Plattsburgh was a huge honor. Between his unsurpassed guitar playing, storytelling and great sense of humor, Mason gave the audience one of the best shows to date. Receiving several standing ovations throughout the night Dave Mason’s performance brought an undeniable, tangible energy to the theater. The seated crowd ended the evening on their feet and dancing in the aisles. The following weekend The Strand Center Theater welcomed another world-class musician. Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters brought their classic soulful blues to Plattsburgh, and it was a show the audience won’t forget. Earl is known for his old-school style, mesmerizing fans since he started playing in the 1970’s. B.B. King has stated, “…he is one of the most serious blues guitarists you can find today. He makes me proud!” Another top-notch performance for The Strand, with many more to come.
The Strand Center Theater is excited to announce that The Allman Betts Band set to perform on March 30, 2019 and Lonesome Traveler, a concert version of the acclaimed off-Broadway musical with special guest star and Folk Legend Peter Yarrow, the only living member of Peter, Paul & Mary. The musical tells the story of Americana music over the years. More event listings including comedy shows, ballet, theater, art and orchestra events can be found at the venue’s website.
The future of this historical theater in the North Country is bright. With Mr. Garcia at the helm, continued passion and support of the community, this venue is bringing back the heartbeat in downtown Plattsburgh.
Celebrating 40 years of performing, the Verona-based Fritz’s Polka Band will release its 19th album, Hey! on Friday.
Recorded at SubCat Studios in Syracuse over the course of several weeks this fall, the album marks a bit of a departure for the band. Of the twelve original tracks included on what was originally planned to be a double album, half stick to the band’s namesake style. The other half spans various styles lead singer/accordionist Fritz Sherz and his bandmates, Gabe Vaccaro (bass/vocals), Frank Nelson (guitar) and Mike Faraino (drums) have dipped into throughout the years while busting open the polka band stereotype.
Several guests make appearances on the new album, including SubCat Studios owner Ron Keck and previous Fritz’s Polka Band collaborator, Rocko Dorsey. Those familiar with Guns ‘n Roses guitarist Slash’s solo outings will recognize the name Todd Kerns. Kerns is the bassist in Slash’s band, Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators and a friend of Sherz. He contributed guitar tracks to the title song written by Sherz. The song eschews the typical polka format for more of a Flogging Molly-style Celtic vibe.
(L-R) Mike Faraino, Todd Kerns and Fritz Sherz
The new album hits this Friday, Nov. 30 on all major streaming services and will be available for purchase at all Fritz’s Polka Band gigs or through Sherz himself. For more information, follow Fritz’s Polka Band’s social media channels of visit their website here.
East Village bar Continental is closing its doors on Dec. 15. In its heyday from 1991-2006, the bar featured live music and hosted some of the greatest icons of the era: Iggy Pop, Guns N’ Roses, and The Ramones. The historic midtown Manhattan building that has been home to the bar for 27 years is being torn down for redevelopment.
It is with heavy heart that I have to inform everyone that Continental’s days are numbered. Sometime late this year, this entire corner will be knocked down and developed. It’s truly heartbreaking that we and so many Old Skool places are falling by the wayside… This Bar has been my life. First as a Rock Club and then as a Dive Bar and I’ve loved every minute of it (mostly speaking). – Trigger Smith, Owner
The Continental webstore is stocked with memorabilia including a 15 Years of Rock and Roll T-shirt and Live At Continental compilation CD’s featuring The Ramones, Agnostic Front, and many more NYC-based bands.
Pop-Fest 518 takes place at The Linda on Saturday, Dec 1 from 7-10 pm. Featured in this evening of eclectic musicians are Blockhouses, Sydney Worthley, Pop-Clique, Sarah Kohrs & Coyote, and Daniel Conley. While students can get a $10 ticket at the door with ID, all-ages $15 tickets can be purchased through The Linda’s Pop Fest 518 event page. This one-night show not only showcases original work by performers native to the 518 area, but admission goes towards the upstate arts community fostered by the Columbia Arts Team.
Blockhouses
The pop trio Blockhouses will groove the audience followed by festival-seasoned, 16 year old Sydney Worthley, who takes the stage to build on that energy with her country/rock infused lyrics. Expect a blast to the past as the internationally recognized Pop-Clique takes concert-goers back with a ’60s flavored vibe. A new face joins the stage with them as notorious singer/songwriter Liv Cummins makes her Pop-Clique debut on Dec. 1 at Pop-Fest 518.
The mood changes yet again as Sarah Kohrs & Coyote deliver their take on blues and jazz; the influence of iconic female vocalists Joni Mitchell and Amy Winehouse comes through in Sara Kohrs’s performance. To cap of a great night of 518 artists, Daniel Conley has a large body of work to pull his Americana offerings from as he has launched two albums in the last year.
The Columbia Arts Team is a non-profit performing arts company that promotes local arts efforts and has partnered with The Linda to make this performance possible. The Linda is committed to growing the arts in New York as it serves as the performing arts studio for Albany-based public broadcast radio station WAMC. There is growing community interest in the cultivation of original, local, musical talent. Pop-Fest 518 gives these unique voices a stage where they can truly shine.
There aren’t a lot of options for purely original local artists to perform in a concert format…This is music that belongs in a ‘listening’ venue, not a bar. This is music that needs to be heard.
– Andy Gregory, WEXT Radio’s Local 518 program host.
Earlier this month, legendary Aerosmith and Hollywood Vampires guitarist Joe Perry was taken to the hospital after his guest appearance during Billy Joel’s Madison Square Garden show. The emergency involved breathing complications that resulted in Perry’s overnight stay at the hospital. Despite previous assumptions that Perry would resume his schedule once he was clear, the seasoned artist has decided to take a well deserved rest for the remainder of 2018.
Joe Perry sent his apologies to fans who were looking forward to the events, but realizes he needs to put his health first. Fans of the rock legend will be seeing him soon though as Perry states that he is looking forward to further touring to come in 2019. Refunds for the cancelled shows can be obtained at the point of purchase.
Perry released a new solo album earlier this year titled Sweetzerland Manifesto that the tour was going to feature. His band was to include former Extreme vocalist and brief member of Van Halen, Gary Cherone and Perry’s Aerosmith partner Brad Whitford.
“Blue Savage” will be featured on Old Fame’s debut self-titled EP due out January 7. The songs for Old Fame were engineered and mixed by Josh Pettinger, and mastered by Greg Thompson at 
The night was filled with crowd pleasers and hits like “Where Are You Going,” “Don’t Drink The Water” and of course “What Would You Say.” The Dave Matthews Band ended the night with a two-song encore featuring “Granny” and the Bob Dylan cover “All Along the Watchtower.” The group continues their tour through December 28 when they close in Miami, FL. Check out photos from their Albany performance below provided by Vinny Otto:
May stated: “This is great opportunity. Our last tour featured our most ambitious production ever, and got us our best notices ever. So we decided to rip it apart and get even more ambitious! Watch out, America!”
