NYS Music 20​18

Category: News Desk

  • Funktional Flow Launches Search for Drummer

    Funk/Rock/Reggae/Jam outfit Funktional Flow is launching a nationwide search for a drummer.

    The search begins a month after the departure of Ryan James Acanfora behind the kit.  Former Aqueous drummer Ryan Nogle has been covering duties for Funktional Flow while the band searches for the right fit.

    Exclusive to NYS Music, Flow noted that they are looking for something more than just a great musician. “Obviously being a great musician is important, but we here at Flow truly consider ourselves a family.  We function on the values of hard work, creativity and mutual respect and are looking for someone who reflects these qualities.”

    Hailing from Buffalo, Funktional Flow is known as a versatile five piece that fuses elements of rock, funk and reggae.  Featured in Relix magazine’s “On The Rise” and with a host of regional accolades, Funktional Flow has become one of Western New York’s most prominent original bands. Recent local awards for the band include Best Original Alternative Band (Buffalo Night Life) in 2016 & 2017 and the Album of the Year Award from Artvoice Magazine for their 2016 release Time Will Tell.

    Funktional Flow has become a staple of the Western New York jam scene, including their own festival Flowfest, now coming into its fourth year. Flow has opened in support of major touring artists including The Wailers, Warren Haynes, Rusted Root, Railroad Earth, Sublime with Rome, Twiddle, Papadosio, Aqueous, Dopapod, Eric Krasno Band, Snarky Puppy and Turkuaz.

    The band has also enjoyed festival appearances at Disc Jam Music Festival, Catskill Chill Music Festival, Night Lights Music Festival, The Great Blue Heron, and Cobblestone Live among others.

    Interested musicians should inquire via e-mail to funktionalflow@yahoo.com.  The band requests inquiries include a brief musical bio and either video or audio samples.

    Funktional Flow features Jeffrey Kuebler (Guitar & Vocals), Ben Whelan (Bass), Joey Lewis (Guitar & Vocals), and Matthew Lester (Keys, Sax & Vocals).

  • Phallbany: Get Phishy in Albany as Fall Tour Kicks Off!

    A 48-hour, tie dye wave will splash over downtown Albany just in time for Phish’s back-to-back opening Fall Tour gigs. The famed jam quartet’s October 16 and 17 shows will appropriately notch their 16th and 17th shows ever played in the state capital of ‘Phallbany’ and the buzzing city is chock-full of opportunities to celebrate the mid-week shakedown while quickly exploring historic and artistic surroundings. NYS Music is here to give you the rundown on all things Phish, including helpful navigation tips and how to make your mid-week visit to Albany as smooth as possible.

    No strangers to the Times Union Center, some notable moments have come out of their many meetings with the 28-year old Albany venue. Over the years, Phish entertained crowds in some cozier quarters just around the corner at the Palace Theatre.

    With Albany’s extensive history of Phish, we went to IHOZ – the International House of ZZYZX and looked up some stats from all past shows in NY’s capital, aside from Pauly’s Hotel in 1989 where there is no known setlist.

    October 16th marks the first ever Tuesday show. In the last five shows there have been four debuts: Windora Bug and Mellow Mood (2000) and Golden Age and Tomorrow’s Song (2009). Given the frequency of songs below, “You Enjoy Myself” is quite a safe bet, as are “Bouncing Around the Room” and “Guyute,” and while “Jam” isn’t a song, that much is guaranteed over the two nights.

    Phish has yet to play “Divided Sky” in Albany, and we have yet to have a proper “Mike’s” -> “I Am Hydrogen” > “Weekapaug Groove,” with the H2 never showing up in the Capital District.

    Most commonly played since 1992, “You Enjoy Myself” holds the heavyweight title with a total of seven plays, while “Bouncing Around the Room,” “Guyute” and “Jam” come in second at five plays. “Also Sprach Zarathustra,” “Chalk Dust Torture,” “Ghost,” “Good Times Bad Times,” “Harry Hood,” “Maze,” “NICU,” “Possum,” “Prince Caspian,” “Sparkle,” and “Stash” tie at four performances each.

    Tuesday, October 16:

    Pre Shows: If you’re looking to get the party started early, join The Deadbeats around the corner from the venue at town-favorite gastropub, City Beer Hall. They’ll get you bouncin’ round the room from 5PM-8PM before Phish takes over.

    10/16 Afterparty:  Dynamic Albany outfit Wurliday will host a Phunk Night at Parish Public House, just one block away from the show! The Phish after party will be hosted by Albany’s own Wurliday, featuring Natalie Cressman (Trey Anastasio Band), Chris Bullock (Snarky Puppy),Beau Sasser (Kung Fu), Adrian Tramontano (Kung Fu), Chris DeAngelis (Kung Fu), Justin Henricks (Wurliday) and Ilana J. Morris (Wurliday).

    Wednesday October 17:

    Phish Pre-Show Yoga Jam: Phans are generally all about the love and light, which means many of them crossover as yogis. Two of Albany’s newest ventures, Lark Street Yoga and Lark Hall are teaming up with Heartspace Yoga and Healing Arts for a for two hour, donation based yoga event. “Sharin’ in the Groove” proceeds will benefit the Waterwheel Foundation and the phun vinyasa class will be set to live phish tunes and taught by John Smrtic, E-YRT, JD from Heartspace. When sacred movement, jammin’ music, elevated intention, and connection to the spirit through breath comes together in ceremony and celebration, the potential exists to step into the groove. Book your spot from 12:30AM-1:30PM for $25 and check out Albany’s latest phan-friendly yoga studio and music hall.

    Peakin’ at the Knick:  Acting as the mullet of Wednesday’s activities, PEAK Builders Network will keep business in the front of the mind and partying safely tucked in the back. The conference filled with networking and mutual love of music will take place at the Hampton Inn, five guest speakers will share stories of their personal business and career empires and what goals they’re working towards next. The interactive conference encourages attendees to join the conversation and bounce YOUR ideas around the room with like-minded business professionals. Goodie bags, light snacks and a free drink await your 1PM arrival.

    Pre Show: Starting at 5pm, the Left Ear trio keeps the second day momentum rolling for a jazzy pre-show get down at City Beer Hall.

    Post show: Funky Albany ensemble Hartley’s Encore will bring it on back to City Beer Hall for a night sponsored by Fiddlehead Brewing Company while Pearl Street Pub hosts Tweed, Desolation Angels and McZwang for $10.

    Phish Food: Albany is buzzing with local restaurants at your disposal, spanning all types of cuisine, diets and cravings. For a morning wake up call and your AM fix of coffee and donuts, stumble over to Cider Belly Doughnuts for some of the most delicious and creative flavors imaginable.

    If you believe Herbivores ate well cause their food didn’t ever run, then you might want to check out Berben and Wolff’s and Healthy on Lark, both serving up tasty vegan meals to the public on Lark Street. For the carnivores ready for a meatstick and a beer to help wash it down after, look no further than Albany Pump Station, a brewery that boasts hearty meals and tasty craft beers. The Hollow and Ama Cocina each have a wide array of American and Mexican fare respectively, adding to the downtown Albany hustle and bustle with their energetic atmospheres and love for live music.

    Honorable mentions go to Steuben Street Cafe, with grab-n-go, delicious smoothies and sandwiches just down the road from the venue. For classic late-night, greasy grub, Pizzeria Sapienza usually stays open for a quick slice while crowds are flooding out of the arena.

    Parking tips: Don’t be a slave to the traffic light and be sure to consider your parking game plan beforehand. Aside from fighting for competitive street parking, garages are sprinkled throughout downtown Albany with fluctuating event pricing. If you’re lucky enough to snag a spot, there’s a parking garage attached to TUCenter with entrances on both Market Street and Beaver Street for a price. Throughout the downtown blocks you’ll stumble across Riverfront Garage, Green-Hudson Garage and Osborne Street Garage that are all reasonable parking options for the weekend. And of course, Albany has Uber and Lyft for access to downtown from your hotel.

    In its most natural habitat, Albany is thriving in its own glimmer of a golden age with up and coming professionals, passing artists and growing businesses. Add phans funneling down Pearl Street into the TUC like quicksand and we’ve got quite the mid-week renaissance to look forward to in six short days. The countdown continues…

  • Longwave release “Stay With Me,” first single in 10 years

    While their new album is still under wraps, LongWave has “Stay With Me,” the first single from the NY rockers in ten years. Longwave formed in Brooklyn at the dawn of the New York indie rock resurgence in 1999 and signed with RCA Records where it released the Dave Fridmann-produced (Mercury Rev, Flaming Lips) The Strangest Things, who also produced the EP Life Of The Party. The band has toured throughout the world sharing billing domestically and overseas with their friends The Strokes, as well as The National, The Vines, The Doves, bloc party, Blue October, and Kasabian among others.

    The band will embark on a Fall Tour supporting Blue October, kicking off in Royal Oak, MI on October 11th. They’ve also launched a Pledge Music campaign to coincide with the upcoming tour and album release.

    Tour Dates
    (headlining)
    11.17 – New York City, NY @ Bowery Ballroom

    (with Blue October)
    10.11 – Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre
    10.12 – St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
    10.13 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave / Eagles Club
    10.14 – Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room
    10.17 – Fayetteville, AR @ George’s Majestic Room
    10.18 – Memphis, TN @ New Daisy Theatre
    10.19 – Tulsa, OK @ Brady Theatre
    10.20 – Dallas, TX @ The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
    10.21 – San Antonio, TX @ Aztec Theatre

  • Documentary Being Produced About Legendary Long Island Nightclub My Father’s Place

    It was Memorial Day weekend in 1971 when Michael “Eppy” Epstein opened a nightclub in the sleepy town of Rosalyn. “My Father’s Place” hosted some of the hottest up-and-coming acts of the era, including The Ramones, The Police, Blondie, and Talking Heads.

    The legendary hot spot closed in 1987, but is now re-opening. To honor the legacy of the club, a documentary entitled “Names are Bullsh*t” is being produced using vintage footage and archival documents. The Kickstarter campaign which runs through today offers Migliori Crypto Metaverso investors the opportunity to get exclusive perks such as t-shirts and their names in the credits of the film. Follow the film on Facebook for updates.

    https://youtu.be/f7XQpFcdE_Q

  • Celebrate National Gumbo Day with Baked Shrimp at Parish Public House

    Long Island’s Baked Shrimp will be in Albany on Friday, October 12 to celebrate National Gumbo Day at the Parish Public House. Joining them are local Albany bands Hasty Page and Hilltop.

    Baked Shrimp has been tearing up Long Island and NYC spots on their Summer Tour and embark on a Fall Tour with their first ever show in Albany. Check out our review of their album Feast of Delight. Tickets are $10 and more info can be found here.

    Pete Mason: Fans in Upstate are getting their first taste of Baked Shrimp – what can they expect to get down to?

    Baked Shrimp: We’re so excited to finally make it to Albany! The band has played in Upstate before, multiple times in New Paltz, and now we’re heading back to Oneonta, but getting to play New York’s capital will be a real treat. Expect the unexpected! We’re going into Fall with over 40 songs that can come out at anytime, and with Albany being the first show of the tour everything is on the table. Over the Summer, on top of teaching Jager all of the already written Baked Shrimp songs, we were also all learning together new originals, Beatles tunes, meme songs, and other cool covers for our Five Night Special that took place in Woodmere. Check out the recap from that and the rest of the Summer to see what’s on the table!

    PM: Was playing on National Gumbo Day at a New Orleans themed venue/restaurant planned or just a delicious coincidence?

    BS: Both! We knew Albany was planned for mid-October, and Dan from Parish Public House mentioned that it would be National Gumbo Day on the 12th. So we had to do it!

    PM: What’s the best part of the Long Island scene?

    BS: The best part is how close the folks in the jam/funk scene community on Long Island are to one another. Everyone knows each other, and the shows become a big gathering for everyone to meet in one spot to support the bands and the scene around them. It’s a goal of ours in the next couple of summers to do an outdoor camping festival on the island that we would host. It’s still a ways away since we’re still trying to find a proper location where we can do such an event, especially on Long Island, but we’ll make it happen! 2020!

  • NYS Music Presents: Music All October Long

    As Upstate New York has officially welcomed fall and we prepare ourselves for the cold months ahead, NYS Music is preparing to keep you occupied all month long as per usual with our run down of all the can’t-miss live music for October.

    Syracuse – Funk ‘N Waffles

    As always, Funk ‘N Waffles will be the go-to place for music 7 days a week for Rochester and Syracuse.  The calendar above outlines what can be expected this month in Syracuse.  The schedule includes a healthy mix of weekly regulars, such as Pearly Baker’s Best’s Dead Nights every Monday, as well as tour performances from some of the best performers both within and outside New York State, album release parties, and of course, a Halloween celebration.   For more details, check out the list and links below.

    October 4th – The unique strand of Americana Them Coulee Boys has created includes music for every occasion ranging from excitement and dancing to quiet thought.  For a heartfelt and genuine performance, make sure to come out as they are joined by Boots ‘n Shorts.  Event link.

    October 6th – Gratefully Yours’ dream team of musicians and stellar setlists make their shows a can’t miss for all Grateful Dead fans.  If you need your fix, make sure to come out for their show on the 6th. Event link.

    October 10th – All the way from San Diego, the psychedelic rock and world beat group, Elektric Voodoo, will be playing along with special guest and soul musician Raquel Rodriquez. Event link.

    October 11th – Orlando-native, blues and jazz-inspired rock band, The Groove Orient, will be taking the stage with local favorite and psychedelic band, Astro Collective.  Event link.

    October 13th – Brutal By Design Presents will be treating Syracuse to a very special tribute night. 2Pac vs. Biggie which will feature live bands playing their renditions of two of the biggest hip-hop/rap artists of all time.  Event link.

    October 17th – It is sure to an incredible night full of music from New York State as Syracuse-native, and guitarist and vocalist of Root Shock, Phil Grajko performs at Funk ‘N Waffles and will be bringing along Charley Orlando for a dose of Americana, folk, and organica groove sounds. Event link.

    October 18th – Enter the sonic earth of Late Earth through this performance of their indie rock and pop sound as they are joined by special guest Lucy.  Event link.

    October 20th – Soulful groove and reggae rock, Syracuse-native music collective, Sundrop Rise, will be having their EP release party at Funk ‘N Waffles.  Come join the group in celebrating their new music with what is sure to be an incredible performance.  Event link.

    October 25th – For jazz that will speak to your soul and put a smile on your face, come out to Sammy Miller & The Congregation as they take over Funk ‘N Waffles with Major Player.  Event link.

    October 26th – A Syracuse favorite and local group, Sophistafunk will be performing their funk and hip-hop sound at their 90’s Hip-Hop Halloween Party with special guest The Big Takeover. Event link.

    October 27th – It’s all about the psychedelic jam bands and funky sounds as Big Sexy & The Scrambled Eggs with The Phryg and Ampevene Event link.

    October 31th – It is sure to be an energized and entertaining celebration for Halloween as reggae/soul group, Root Shock, brings the Halloween Party on the 31st. Event link.

    Rochester – Funk ‘N Waffles

    Rochester’s Funk ‘N Waffles also will be hosting a wide variety of shows throughout October.  The calendar above maps out the month and our highlights are below:

    October 4th – Fresh off the release of their album “Shapeshifter II: Outbreak”, the heavy rock fusion band TAUK will be playing with psychedelic rock group, Flux Capacitor. Event link.

    October 5th – Before the Grateful Dead tribute band, Gratefully Yours, makes their way to Syracuse, they will be stopping in Rochester for all the Dead Heads in the area. Event link.

    October 9th – Another band that will be swinging through Rochester before they hit Syracuse will be Elektric Voodoo with Raquel Rodriquez on the 9th. Event link.

    October 19th – The tribute and revival of Amy Winehouse’s Back To Black, entitled back to BACK to BLACK, will feature an opening set of originals from Remember Jones, followed by a performance of one of Amy Winehouse’s most celebrated albums alongside a 12-piece orchestra.   Event link.

    October 26th – Following their performance in Syracuse, Sammy Miller & The Congregation will be moving onto Rochester joined by the Gospel, blues and jam band group, Campbell Brothers.  Event link.

    October 31st – Finally, the grand event for Halloween is sure to not disappoint.  The show will feature southern-powerhouse and funky-soul band, ROXY ROCA, as well as Swampcandy, and Shaba Duza. Event link.

    EVERY SUNDAY – Jazz Jam with Jon Seiger & The All-Stars starting at 3 PM for free!!

    Saratoga – Putnam Place

    October 4th – Putnam Place will be hosting the Enigma Festival Pre-Party at 10 PM on the 4th.  Entry is 18+ and the night will feature a multitude of DJs including Evac Protocol, Kill Rex, Leila, ValDee, MurMur, Send Help, and more.  Event link.

    October 6th – Power funk group, Turkuaz will be taking over Putnam Place with Butcher Brown at 9 PM.  Make sure to get your tickets ahead of time and secure your spot at this full of funk night. Event link.

    October 13th – Presented by Guthrie/Bell Productions, and always back by popular demand, come out for the Grateful Dead set of your dreams brought to you by Gratefully Yours. Event link.

    Gratefully Yours

    October 19th – Melvin Seals & JGB’s will be bringing the most satisfying mix of style, soul and spontaneity with an onstage chemistry that will be sure to have you dancing to Saratoga for the night.  Click the link to find out more. Event link.Melvin Seals & JGB

    Buffalo – Nietzche’s

    October 10th – If you’re curious what happens when you mix gypsy jazz with folk and then throw in some ragtime, come let the Ditrani Brothers & The Hammer of Spring along with James Margolis show you exactly what magical sounds they make out of this unlikely combination.  Event link.

    October 24th – It wouldn’t be Rockabilly Night without Rockabilly Steve and BR3.  Make your way to Nietzche’s on the 24th so that they can fulfill all your Americana and blues needs. Event link.Image may contain: one or more people, people playing musical instruments and text

    Western New York / Buffalo

    October 11th-14th – Courtesy of the band Folkfaces, come by the Cherry Hill Campground for yoga, workshops, art and of course, stellar live performances from acts such as Dirty Blanket, Shine Delphi, Matthew O’Brian, Haewa and Folkfaces themselves.  Click the link for more details. Event link.

    Albany

    The Hollow Bar + Kitchen

    October 12th – The distinct sounding funk and soul group, West End Blend, will be showcasing their incredible blend of horns, guitar and vocals and sharing their infectious good vibes. Event link.

    West End Blend

    October 18th – Bumpin’ Uglies will be bringing their funk-heavy ska, reggae, punk and rock sound to Albany accompanied by Victory Soul Orchestra. Event link.

    Bumpin Uglies

    October 27th – The groovy and improvisation heavy, Buffalo-native band Aqueous will be bringing their technical skill and undeniably fun dynamics to Upstate New York at the end of October.  Event link.Aqueous

    The Egg

    October 21st – Music of Cream is a group that is sure to recreate the, “chemical explosion” of all your favorites from the legendary band. Event link.Music of Cream

    Cohoes – The Cohoes Music Hall

    October 23rd – In tribute to the incredible music of Bob Marley & The Wailers, The Wailers will be recreating the good music and great vibes for Cohoes. Event link.The Wailers

    October 24th – Sonny Landreth, the virtuoso and versatile guitarist, will be performing at Cohoes Music Hall, and the performance is sure to have a little something for everyone. Event link.Sonny Landreth

  • Ghost Note announces November tour of Europe as new album ‘Swagism’ tops iTunes charts

    Powerhouse jazz ensemble, Ghost Note, made a European tour announcement this week as they promote their critically acclaimed album Swagism. November will see both Grammy award-winning artists Robert Sput Searight and Nate Werth collaborate with a wide spectrum of other talented sounds including Dywane “MonoNeon” Thomas Jr. (bass), Xavier Taplin (keys), Vaughn “V-Keys” Henry (keys), Peter Knudsen (guitar) and Jonathan Mones (alto sax & flute).

    Several exciting European destinations for the group on this tour include Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy as this 3-week long exploration will touch down in a total of 18 overseas cities. Their live performances have also been a topic of extraordinary skill with fantastic reviews and a genuine appreciation from their fans. They lighten the stage with a cool, mellow energy that sets a tone for a night full of seemingly endless groovy vibes.

    Their evolution to get to this point began in 2015 with the group’s debut record, Fortified, being their first step toward endless potential. Eventually, they would come out with Swagism three years later that would dominate the iTunes jazz charts at the number one position and boasting a stunning 20 featured musicians, including Kamasi Washington, Karl Denson, Nigel Hall, Brandon “TAZ” Niederauer, and many more. Despite the awesome quality of these live performances, they aren’t very frequent so hop on a chance to experience this jazz sensation and check out their tour dates below.

    U.S. Tour Dates:

    Oct. 9 – 1884 Lounge – Memphis, TN
    Oct. 10 – Old Rock House – St. Louis, MO
    Oct. 11 – 1st Ward Chop Shop – Chicago, IL
    Oct. 12 – Detroit Institute of Music Education – Detroit, MI
    Oct. 13 – Founders – Grand Rapids, IA
    Oct.14 -15 – The Rex – Toronto, CAN
    Oct. 16 – Johnny Brenda’s – Philadelphia, PA
    Oct. 17 – Gypsy Sally’s – Washington, D.C.
    Oct. 18 – Asheville Music Hall – Asheville, NC
    Oct. 19 – Neighborhood Theatre – Charlotte, NC
    Oct. 20 – Exit/In – Nashville, TN
    Oct. 21 – Aisle 5 – Atlanta, GA
    Oct. 23 – Thirsty Hippo – Hattiesburg, MS
    Oct. 24 – Blue Nile – New Orleans, LA
    Oct. 25 – Last Concert Cafe – Houston, TX
    Oct. 26 – Deep Ellum – Dallas, TX

    EU/UK Tour Dates:

    Nov. 5 – Nefertiti – Göteborg, Sweden
    Nov. 6 – Fasching – Stockholm, Sweden
    Nov. 8 – Cosmopolite – Oslo, Norway
    Nov. 9 – Jazz Onze Plus – Lausanne, Switzerland
    Nov. 10 – Ingolstädter Jazztage – Ingolstadt, Germany
    Nov. 11 – Roxy – Ulm, Germany
    Nov. 12 – Colos-Saal – Aschaffenburg, Germany
    Nov. 14 – Quasimodo – Berlin, Germany
    Nov. 15 – 15 Bunker Ulmenwall – Bielefeld, Germany
    Nov. 16 – Super Sonic Jazz Festival – Amsterdam, Netherlands
    Nov. 17 – Jazz Out – Heerlen, Netherlands
    Nov. 18 – Bird – Rotterdam, Netherlands
    Nov. 20 – Scheltema – Leiden, Netherlands
    Nov. 21 – Badaboum – Paris, France
    Nov. 23 – Ronnie Scott’s – London, England
    Nov. 24 – Unterfahrt – Munich, Germany
    Nov. 25 – Teatro Forma – Bari, Italy
    Nov. 27 -Lumiere / Pisa Jazz – Pisa, Italy

  • Mike Powell set to release new solo EP, ‘Shelter Without Walls’

    Mike Powell has had a prolific few years, performing throughout the northeast with his solo act, his duo, and his full band the Black River.  He also released a solo album and an album with his band. This Friday, Oct. 5, Powell will release his latest solo effort, Shelter Without Walls.

    shelter without walls

    The six song EP features two previously released, but re-worked songs, “Twenty One Rounds” and “Sad Day in Champion” and four brand new heartfelt compositions. The album can be pre-saved on Spotify and Apple Music through this link. It will be available on all streaming services beginning Oct. 5.

    Powell is a unique storyteller who writes with emotion, breaking down walls to allow the listener into the story. He writes best when he draws from personal experiences. “Twenty One Rounds” tells the tale of a mother who lost her son while serving his country; something Powell has knowledge of through his upbringing in Carthage, just outside of the Fort Drum Army Base in Northern New York. This much-loved song gets a rework on the new EP and has lost little of the original’s emotional appeal.

    Writing songs has always been a soul satisfying activity for me. I just have a deep love for words and telling stories. Music is the most impactful medium I’ve found for connecting with people and evoking emotion. Being able to play intimate acoustic sets in tandem with rock n’ roll shows with my band is like scratching two creative itches at once. I feel like I have two separate vehicles that share the same fuel system.

    “Sad Day in Champion” recalls the closing of a paper mill in that same region of the North Country that affected so many of the people in the region as well as those close to the young Mike Powell.

    One of Powell’s new songs, “Poison Diamond” closes the record. A dirgy number, highlighted by Hanus’ trademark guitar and a church-like organ, where the narrator laments, “You took my hand/You stole my heart/ You loved me to pieces/That’s what tore me apart/You set the fire/And it made me cold/You made me higher/And you cut me down low/That’s what tore me apart/I need some glue, or something heavy I can hold on to/This old bottle here will do/I’m never together with you.”  This is one of the Powell’s most powerful recordings to date, from the lyrics to the delivery to the musicianship within the song. The subdued duet with a female voice on “I’m never together with you” hits the listener in the heart. This song could be Powell’s launching pad to a wider audience.

    shelter without walls

    “The Polite Rebel” will also embark on the most ambitious month of his professional music career beginning Friday. The busy month kicks off with the Black River opening for Canadian rockers The Trews at Exhibition Hall in Watertown this Friday, Oct. 5. Following the Watertown gig, Powell and his duo partner, John Hanus trip down to Goshen, CT for a main stage gig at the Black Bear Americana Music Fest on Oct. 6. The weekend wraps on Sunday with an intimate gig at The Sinclair in Skaneateles on Oct. 7.

    Powell’s intense schedule continues Oct. 10 and 11 as he makes his solo debut at Ani DiFranco’s 9th Ward at Babeville in Buffalo and Lovin’ Cup in Rochester. Oct. 12 sees Powell closer to home at the Brewerton Center for the Arts for another solo show.

    The most highly anticipated nights of the month occur at the historic Nelson Odeon, a renovated former Grange Hall located in the rolling hills of Nelson, near Powell’s current hometown of Cazenovia on Oct. 13 and 14. These shows will be used to record Powell in both solo and duo formats as well as certain selections with the Black River, to be included in a future live Powell album.

    The Odeon is one of Powell’s favorite rooms to perform and is the reason he chose this historic building for the recording of his first live album. He says of the building:

    The Nelson Odeon stands for everything I love about music. It’s like stepping back to a simpler time. I have always dreamed of releasing a live record and this is the perfect room to try and bottle up a moment in time. It will be a special night.

    The Black River, in addition to their gig opening for The Trews on Oct. 5, will take up a Thursday residency at King of Clubs in Syracuse’s famed Armory Square on Oct. 4 and 18. Dubbed “The Thursday Night Rock Show,” this ongoing event is hosted by the band and features some of the region’s top acts. Capital District rockers Wild Adriatic will join the Black River in a November session of “The Thursday Night Rock Show.”

    Finally, on Oct. 19 Powell makes a trip to Blue Mountain Lake for a performance at the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts and wraps up with a songwriters and on Oct. 20 the 18 Songs Tour visits Casita del Polaris in Ithaca. This set brings together three of Central New York’s premier singer songwriters for a night of music – 18 songs- with Powell joined by Charley Orlando and Chris Merkley.

    When not on the road, Powell will be in the studio recording the Black River’s sophomore effort. The band released its debut, Classic Universe in January.

    Check out the video for “Sad Day in Champion” below featuring Powell and members of the Black River.

  • Shemekia Copeland To Sing National Anthem at Sunday’s Giants Game

    shemekia copeland national anthemOn Sunday, September 30, Grammy-nominated singer Shemekia Copeland will perform the National Anthem on game between the New York Giants and the New Orleans Saints. The game begins at 4:25pm at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey and can be watched on CBS.

    Copeland is currently on tour, bringing music from her critically acclaimed, powerful new album, America’s Child to fans all across the country. NPR Music says Copeland is “head-turning and outspoken. America’s Child is a true hybrid of simmering, real-talking spirit and emphatic, folkie-and soul-style statement-making. Copeland sings slow-burning soul and rollicking country-blues with growling vigor and potent conviction.”

    Produced by Americana Instrumentalist Of The Year winner Will Kimbrough (who also plays guitar on the album) and recorded in Nashville, America’s Child is a courageous and fiery statement of purpose, a major step forward for the singer whose musical consciousness continues to expand as her star continues to rise. With guests including John Prine, Rhiannon Giddens, Mary Gauthier, Emmylou Harris, Steve Cropper, J.D. Wilkes, Al Perkins and members of the Time Jumpers, America’s Child bursts with Copeland’s bravado and embraces with her tenderness.

    Tune in this Sunday to see Shemekia Copeland perform the National Anthem.

    Upcoming shows in New York:

    Sept 30, 2018 – Met Life Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
    Nov 15, 2018 Tralf Music Hall Buffalo, NY
    Nov 16, 2018 Center for the Arts of Homer Homer, NY
    Nov 17, 2018 Towne Crier Cafe Beacon, NY

  • Coffee and Conversation: Learning about Yaddo Gardens

    Locals got to learn more about the Yaddo Gardens, an artist community in Saratoga Springs, and its historical origins during the Friday, Sept. 14, installment of the Coffee and Conversation series at the Bethlehem Public Library.

    Lesley LeDuc, a docent and a member of the Board of Directors at Yaddo, spoke about how it is a recognized place where artists, filmmakers, poets, musicians and writers can apply to stay for a period of time to escape their everyday surroundings and work on their crafts. Its renowned resident artist program is divided into five categories: Literature, Visual Art, Music Composition, Performance, and Film & Video.

    This “artist colony” is located just off exit 14 on Interstate 87. While the area is accessible to the public, the property remains privately owned.

    LeDuc introduced the prominent Trask family, the patriarch of whom was financier and philanthropist Spencer Trask (1844-1909) a graduate of Princeton University who founded his own law firm. He and his wife, Katrina (1853-1922) a fellow philanthropist and author, had several children, all of whom died prematurely.

    Together, they bought this 400-acre estate back in 1881 and moved into the currently-standing house in 1893, after the original burned down in 1891. It became an artist colony around 1926, according to LeDuc.

    “There’s 55 rooms in this 45,000-square foot estate, 20 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms and I think if I remember correctly, there’s 16 fireplaces,” LeDuc said, chuckling. “When we do public tours of the area, someone always asks me about the number of fireplaces.”

    Tours of the Yaddo Gardens are offered every summer and fall. The estate, which serves as the site for “25 to 35 weddings every year,” according to LeDuc, is also notably populated with multicolored gardens, fountains, marble and a pergola.

    In addition to presenting numerous historical photographs of the family, the estate and its gardens, LeDuc also displayed postcards that featured the estate in the early 20th century. She also shared about how the property’s overall aesthetic features, including its statues and fountains, began to deteriorate over the years, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s, and how there has been an effort to restore them ever since.

    “We clean the marble statues with toothbrushes once or sometimes twice every year,” she explained. “They’re all marble so they’re very porous and we have to be very careful.”

    The pergola, the so-called dominant feature of the gardens, consists of 38 ionic columns and is about the length of a football field. It is a popular location for weddings at the estate.

    The pergola also had to be restored as it was made out of terra cotta which deteriorates “from the inside out … and the columns were all taken down.” While some columns were still capable of being reused after restoration, others had to be replaced completely.

    “We were all afraid of when the columns were taken down,” she said. “And the restoration cost almost $500,000. But eventually, they were all put up again and they just look like they came back, looking better than ever.”

    An audience member later asked how the name “Yaddo” came about. LeDuc said that while there have been at least six untrue “fanciful” versions of where the name came originated from, it actually came from Christina, the Trasks’ young daughter who once mispronounced the word “shadow.”

    Each week, the Coffee and Conversation series features a visiting speaker who comes to discuss either their professional or personal expertise about a work of art or a local landmark for about an hour. The series, co-sponsored by Bethlehem Senior Projects, Inc., takes place at the Bethlehem Public Library weekly on Friday afternoons beginning at 1 p.m.

    The next Coffee and Conversations event will take place on Friday, Sept. 21. For more information about this week’s visit here.

    This article was originally published by The Spot 518. is property of Spotlight Newspapers in Albany, N.Y., and appears as a special to NYS Music. TheSpot518 and NYS Music work in partnership to provide readers with in-depth coverage on the local music scene in the Capital District and New York state, respectively. For more, visit TheSpot518.com.

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