Category: News

  • The Egg announces five diverse spring shows

    The Egg recently announced five great musical acts visiting the Capital Region for shows this coming spring. The first is  Americana, rock, and improvisational group Railroad Earth. The group self identifies with rock-and-roll, but their distinct bluegrass influence is undeniable. Who says you can’t have the best of both worlds? You can see this incredible fusion of musical genres yourself Feb. 14.

    Railroad Earth

    Next in the line up is local talent who hail from Albany, the folk group Dannybrook Fair. The three original members recently celebrated a successful summer tour. You can catch the trio during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on March 14.

    March’s offerings continue at the performing arts venue as Pat Metheny’s recent jazz project Side Eye makes an appearance on March 30. Universally recognized as one of the best guitarists in jazz history, Metheny is joined by pianist James Francies and drummer Nate Smith for this musical experiment. You will not want to miss a performance from the unmatched Pat Mentheny.

    Last, but not least, Candlebox comes to Capital region audiences on Thursday, April 25. The Seattle rock group, who rose to fame in the ’90s grunge scene will be showcasing songs from their sixth album Disappearing in Airports.

    You can find ticket info by visiting the Egg Events Page.

  • No music falls on deaf ears at Palaye Royale Las Vegas performance

    Music is one of the most inclusive interests humans are able to appreciate and share. Genres expand to any identity or personality you could think of and easy accessibility make it available for any to enjoy. But what if you couldn’t hear? How do the deaf listen to music? Unfortunately some would say they simply don’t. However, this September those barriers were broken and deaf fans got to experience music on a level like never before. A collaboration between music group Palaye Royale and Music: Not Impossible Technology led to a test launch at their Las Vegas show.

    The four year long technological advancement has been described as a five-piece device consisting of a vibro harness, two wristbands and two ankle bands. The device syncs with the live performance accordingly and each of the five areas vibrate along with it. The vibes have several settings which can be adjusted from low, medium or strong vibes and immerses the listener in a “surround body” sensation. In addition, a sign language interpreter was also involved on stage for the convenience of other hearing impaired attendees.

    Check out a video below from Music: Not Impossible that exhibits the technology during its first real-world use.

    Dubbed “The hottest band of 2018” by the English music press, Palaye Royale is entertainment at full volume. A combination of musical and artistic expression with immense popularity on all different streaming platforms. They have amassed over 30 million views on smash songs like “Higher,” “Don’t Quite Feel Right,” and “Ma Cherie.” This stands among the achievements of their albums titled Boom Boom Room (Side A) and this year’s highly anticipated follow-up Boom Boom Room (Side B). The Canadian fashion rock-trio is currently on an expansive tour all throughout the states and several parts of Canada. Tickets, both general and VIP, are on sale now.

    The brothers will visit the Lost Horizon in Syracuse this Friday. See below for announced dates.

    Palaye Royale Tour Dates:

    Nov. 15 – Le Ministere – Montréal, QC
    Nov. 16 – The Lost Horizon – Syracuse, NY
    Nov. 17 – Beachland Ballroom – Cleveland, OH
    Nov. 18 – Metro – Chicago, IL
    Nov. 19 – Loving Touch – Detroit, MI
    Nov. 20 – Rave – Milwaukee, WI
    Nov. 21 – Skyway – Minneapolis, MN
    Nov. 23 – The Rec Room – Edmonton, AB
    Nov. 24 – The Legion – Calgary, AB
    Nov. 26 – Rickshaw – Vancouver, BC
    Nov. 27 – El Corazon – Seattle, WA
    Nov. 28 – Bossanova Ballroom – Portland, OR
    Nov. 30 – Slim’s – San Francisco, CA
    Dec. 1 – Holy Diver – Sacramento, CA
    Dec. 2 – Glasshouse – Pomona, CA

  • November 9th is for the children – ‘Wu-Tang Clan Day’ declared in Staten Island

    Rap culture has been blessed with many genius artists and movements that have allowed it to evolve into one of the most popular genres in the world. Those pioneers are celebrated in lyrics/shoutouts by many current stars and respective hometowns take much pride in the influence they invested in the artist.

    Friday marked another one of those celebrations and for none other than the infamous Wu-Tang Clan. Staten Island has officially named November 9th as Wu-Tang Clan day to pay tribute to the 25th anniversary of their legendary debut album: Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).

    Wu-Tang Clan Day

    Their impact has transcended music and represented how their upbringing converted them into artists in their craft. Record label, Certified Classics, has displayed their appreciation for the timeless rap group in a new short film entitled: “For the Children: 25 Years of Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).” It explores the background struggles and rise of the group in a world where they felt that music was their only voice. It even takes fans on a journey through production of signature songs and analysis of lyrical content.

    For more modern fans of rap, the film also features interviews and appearances from new school artists including ASAP Rocky, ASAP, Ferg, Joey Bada$$ and other contemporary MCs known for their lyrical skill. They delve into their own influences from the Wu-Tang sound and how it molded their image to be a combination between classic and state of the art. Even 25 years later in a new era of music, their pages on streaming platforms boast millions of listens and impressive monthly listener statistics.

    Watch the short film “For the Children: 25 Years of Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” below. The Clan also performed live on “Good Morning America” Friday morning. You can also view that performance here.

  • Twiddle’s Mihali makes solo debut with ‘Fading State’

    Twiddle frontman Mihali recently released politically charged single “Fading State” for his upcoming album. The album is yet to be titled and fans are eagerly anticipating a release date. The new single features vocals from Nahko (Nahko and Medicine for the People) and Trevor Hall who support Mihali in this advocacy-driven single. Produced by Johnny Cosmic of Stick Figure, Mihali’s reggae single focuses on protecting the environment and putting aside political agendas for the greater good.

    The issue is continuously met with opposition motivated by greed. It’s up to all of us as individuals to do what we can…to do our part to make a positive change in the world. With our current political climate, I think now is the perfect time for this single to be released.

    Mihali refers to “Fading State” as the spark that influenced most of his newest musical creations. While the debut album is yet to be announced, glimpses of the anticipated album will show up throughout the course of Mihali’s solo December tour of the Northeast. There are four New York shows lined up in the rapid fire schedule below.

    Mihali Tour Schedule:

    Dec. 5 – Mercury Lounge –  New York, NY 
    Dec. 6 – Spcae Ballroom – Hamden, CT
    Dec. 7 – Putnam Place – Saratoga Springs, NY
    Dec. 8 – Funk ‘n Waffles – Syracuse, NY
    Dec. 9 – Portland House of Music – Portland, ME
    Dec. 11 – Wonder Bar – Asbury Park, NJ
    Dec. 12 – 8 x 10 – Baltimore, MD
    Dec. 13 – BSP-3 – Kingston, NY
    Dec. 14 – Jewel – Manchester, NH
    Dec. 15 – Gateway City Arts – Holyoke, MA

    Watch Mihali’s “Fading State” music video down below and get a feel for what to expect on his premier solo album.


    Editor’s Note: This article was edited to correct the title of the song. 

  • Rochester Funk ‘n Waffles location closing

    Funk ‘n Waffles owner Adam Gold announced that he is closing the Rochester location of his unique night spot. The final day of operation will be Sunday, Nov. 11.

    Gold jumped on the opportunity to purchase the former warehouse and site of Water Street Music Hall when it became available last year. As a musician and member of Sophistafunk, Gold fell in love with the location and couldn’t pass on making it Funk ‘n Waffles, version three.

    The unique restaurant and performance space features a menu based around, what else, waffles and live music seven nights a week.

    Gold hopes to re-open in the Rochester area in the near future to a smaller location with better foot traffic. He told the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, “We love Rochester. We did well. It just wasn’t enough for that space.”

    The venue will serve out its final week with a full menu and a full music schedule, including performances from Hayley Jane and the Primates and Todd Snider plus a final brunch on Sunday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. See the week’s schedule below. For further information, visit Funk ‘n Waffles’s website here.

    The closure leaves just one Funk ‘n Waffles location, at 313 South Clinton Street in the Armory Square district of Syracuse. The original location, on the Syracuse University hill, closed in February of 2017 due to the building being razed for a redevelopment project in the Marshall Street area of Syracuse.

    Nov. 6 – Siena Facciolo, Dream Float and Ava Sauer – 8:00 p.m.
    Nov. 7 – Orgone with The English Project – at 8:00 p.m.
    Nov. 8 – Closed
    Nov. 9 – Hayley Jane and The Primates – 10:00 p.m.
    Nov. 10 – Todd Snider with Kevin Gordon – 8:00 p.m.

  • Slipknot delivers Halloween treat

    The masked Iowans of Slipknot unleashed a surprise new video on fans Wednesday for Halloween. The video for “All Out Life” from their upcoming, yet-to-be-named album was produced by band member M. Shawn Crahan — aka “Clown.” Apple Music’s Beats 1 debuted the single with frontman Corey Taylor in studio.

    Taylor told host Zane Lowe, “Everybody talks about toxic masculinity and toxic fandom these days. For me, it’s more about this toxic idea that unless something came out 10 minutes ago, it’s not any good, and that bothers me.”

    The single, the first new music from the band since 2014’s .5:The Gray Chapter,  is a rallying cry according to Taylor, “Let’s not talk about old. Let’s not talk about new. Let’s talk about what’s good, what’s real, and get behind that and start embracing things that matter.”

    Taylor calls the upcoming album, “One of the darkest chapters in Slipknot’s history.” Get a glance of what’s upcoming with the video for the new single below.

  • Let’s Be Leonard tour will spread the holiday cheer throughout New York

    With fall holiday vibes steadily taking over New York all November, Let’s be Leonard will be kicking it off by spreading their extremely versatile and energetic jazzy music all month. The high spirited jam band has announced several shows even including a free night at Putnam Place for Thanksgiving Eve.

    With stages scattered throughout Albany, Oswego, Plattsburgh, and Saratoga Springs, the acoustic vibes set for these evenings will be relaxing for any group. Audiences will experience the band’s talented line-up with Karl Bertrand (Lead Vocals & Rhythm Guitar), Matt Griffin (Lead Guitar), Connor Dunn (Saxophone), Chris Cronin (Bass Guitar) and Paul Gauy (Drums) also including a lively collaboration at their Albany show with the Leah Woods Band.

    Perhaps the most anticipated night scheduled is their annual “A Very Leonard Christmas” which as their last date in Saratoga, will be traditionally held at Caffe Lena. They are fresh off a series of nights at the Barrelhouse in Saratoga Springs and a post-Phish show at the City Beer Hall so they are more than familiar with these attractive venues.

    The passionate story of Let’s Be Leonard itself is what makes them thrive and reminds their loyal fanbase why their style is unique. All five band members quit their jobs, invested what money they had into equipment and a tour bus, and have been living together in a music-centric collective lifestyle since early 2015. This dedication has incited the support and admiration from local radio and also allowed them to have the courage to expand on their national tours. For those looking to enjoy the Leonard experience, see the dates below.  Tickets for Caffe Lena are already available.

    Upcoming dates:

    Nov. 9 – The City Beer Hall – Albany, NY w/ Leah Woods Band
    Nov. 16 – The Brick Bar – Oswego, NY
    Nov. 17 – The Monopole – Plattsburgh, NY
    Nov. 21 – Putnam Place – Saratoga Springs, NY (Thanksgiving Eve)
    Dec. 21 – Caffe Lena – Saratoga Springs, NY (A Very Leonard Christmas)

    Check out the latest single from the band’s sophomore release Static below and their bandcamp page here.

  • Spice Up Your Plans for Election Day with Voting Mad Libs

    HeadCount and Penguin Young Readers have teamed up to collaborate on the creation of voting Mad Libs. Players can choose their own nouns, verbs and adjectives, and also fill in how and where they’ll vote. The resulting voting story is a barrel of laughs, but can also help people to plan their voting in advance (which increases odds of turning up to vote, according to a study in the Association for Psychological Science).

    Mad LibsTake a peek at a sample by Andy Bernstein, featuring The Disco Biscuits. Join in the fun at MadLibs.HeadCount.org or text “ELECTION” to 40649.

    HeadCount is a nonprofit organization which registered over 75,000 voters at concerts, music festivals, cultural events and online this year.

  • Chelsea Music Hall Opens Doors

    There’s a new venue in Manhattan’s lower west side. Chelsea Music Hall is now open, and will host a variety of performances – from music and dance to comedy and immersive theater. The 250-capacity space with a state-of-the-art sound system offers an intimate space for art and music. Located at 407 W 15th Street in the basement of Chelsea Market, the food bar menu will be provided by celebrity Chef Eyal Shani of Chelsea Market’s Mizon restaurant.

    chelsea music hall

    Upcoming events include the weekly dance party Soul In The Horn on Fridays. Rocking Dueling Pianos on Oct.30 at 5 p.m, and a night with NYC DJ’s Hector Romero, Brian Burnside, and Gatto on Nov. 9. For tickets and more information, visit ChelseaMusicHall.com.

  • Gregg Allman Tribute to Be Held at Levon Helm Studios

    On Dec. 7, former members of the Allman Brothers Band and and collaborators will gather in Woodstock at Levon Helm Studios to pay tribute to the late Gregg Allman. The band will include Eric Krasno, Bruce Katz, and Jay Collins, plus Bill Sims Jr., Manuel Quintana, Chris Vitarello, Brandon Morrison, and Moses Patrou. The event, dubbed “Playin’ Up A Storm,” takes place on the eve of what would be Allman’s 71st birthday. Tickets are on sale now through the Levon Helm Studios website

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