NYS Music 20​18

Category: Upcoming Shows

  • The Weight Band Announces Release Date for ‘World Gone Mad’

    The Weight Band, an assemblage of veteran musicians with connections to Woodstock, Levon Helm, and The Band, have announced the release date of their debut recording, World Gone Mad.

    Throughout the storied history of the Midnight Ramble performances at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, New York, there have been multiple configurations of some of the same musicians for different host bands at “the barn.” The Levon Helm Band had morphed into the Midnight Ramble Band, followed by the Dirt Farmer Band, and most recently The Weight Band. Each of these ensembles has relied on a strong belief in the collaboration of all band members. The entire bands were the focus, rather than any individual being featured above the others. That spirit of collaboration is evident in the writing and recording of The Weight Band’s first full-length album, World Gone Mad, scheduled for CD and digital release on February 23.

    The Weight Band World Gone Mad

    Inclusion of two previously unreleased songs co-written by Levon Helm, “You’re Never Too Old (To Rock N Roll)” and “Common Man,” along with guest appearances by Jackie Greene and Randy Ciarlante, and a cover of the Jerry Garcia/Robert Hunter song, “Deal” give some added flavors to the half dozen original songs by The Weight Band.

    Central New York music fans may recall a previous incarnation of the The Weight Band, with Byron Isaacs on bass and Ciarlante on drums from their appearance at The Camden Music Festival in 2014. Eventually, Albert Rogers and Michael Bram found their way into those respective slots, joining Jim Weider (guitar), Brian Mitchell (keys/accordion), and Marty Grebbs (keys/saxophone). All five members of the band contribute vocals to their sound.

    The title song was a phrase Jim Weider has said he had kicking around in his head for about a year, until a bit of a melody came along to join it, and he collaborated with the renowned Canadian singer-songwriter Colin Linden to complete the tune. Weider and Linden had previously joined forces on several songs. These include “Remedy,” a version of which is included on World Gone Mad.

    https://youtu.be/aouEP5OjB-0

    The Weight Band will tour in support of their pending release, including four New York State appearances.

    TOUR DATES:
    Feb. 9 – Bergen Performing Arts Center – Englewood NJ
    Feb. 10 – The Warehouse at FTC – Fairfield CT
    Feb. 16 – Infinity Music Hall – Hartford CT *Album pre-release concert
    Feb. 17 – Levon Helm Studios – Woodstock NY *CD release ramble
    March 9 – Sportsmen’s Tavern – Buffalo, NY
    March 10 – Anthology – Rochester, NY
    March 11 – Center for the Arts of Homer – Homer, NY
    March 30 – Beacon Theatre – Hopewell, VA
    March 31 – McGlohen Theater at Spirit Square – Charlotte, NC
    April 1 – City Winery – Atlanta, GA
    April 4 – Crest Theatre – Delray Beach, FL
    April 5 – King Center for the Performing Arts – Melbourne, FL
    April 6 – Capitol Theatre – Clearwater, FL
    April 7 – Center for Performing Arts – Bonita Springs, FL
    April 19 – Narrows Center – Fall River, MA
    April 27 – Fox Tucson Theatre – Tucson, AZ
    April 29 – Belly Up Tavern – Solana Beach, CA
    June 24 – Rocks, Ribs & Ridges Festival – Augusta, NJ
    Aug. 20 – Camp Cripple Creek at Full Moon Resort – Big Indian, NY

  • Sleepy Creek SpringDig Announces 2018 Lineup

    Sleepy Creek Presents announced their 2018 SpringDig festival, at the family-friendly Sleepy Creek venue in Berkeley, West Virginia. The lineup so far includes Keller Williams, both solo and with More Than a Little, Jeff Austin Band, Dead Winter Carpenters, Black Masala, Brokedown Hustlers, Cousin Earth, The Jakobs Ferry Stragglers, The Judy Chops, Mountain Ride, The Dirty Grass Players, The Kind Thieves, Serene Green, Herb & Hanson, Mateo Monk, and Sleepy Creek Jam Family.

    Sleepy Creek SpringDigSleepy Creek SpringDig returns May 4-6, 2018 for its 5th Year to the region’s favorite family-friendly venue, Sleepy Creek on the Potomac in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. Centrally located to residents of the 4-State Region, and easily accessible off I-68 & I-70, the annual camp-out festival offers a stellar line-up of local roots music and national superstars. Other attractions include playgrounds, parades, face-painting, food, arts & crafts, late night bonfires, and open jam circles. All Sleepy Creek Events outshine the rest in their devotion to fun for all ages, and create memories that last a lifetime. Kids 15 & Under are always free!

    ​Tickets can be purchased in person at the venue, or on the web.

    This article was originally published by DCMusic News and Review and appears as a special to NYS Music as part of the Regional Music Alliance. The Regional Music Alliance was founded in 2018 as a partnership between regional websites to provide readers with in-depth coverage of the music scenes on the East Coast. 

  • Lera Lynn has fun showing fans she’s not as gloomy as you think she is

    Fans of HBO’s “True Detective” know Lera Lynn. Kinda.

    Fans will discover just how much they really do know about Lynn when she performs at the Massry Center for the Arts on Friday, Feb. 2.

    Lynn played the sulking singer in the dive bar frequented by Colin Farrell’s and Vince Vaughn’s characters. Her music, such as the single “The Only Thing Worth Fighting For,” set the tone of a gut-wrenchingly somber television experience.She earned the opportunity to write and appear on the show after producer T Bone Burnett heard her cover of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.” To separate herself from legions of musicians who preceded her, she said she tweaked the tune by playing it with a melancholic minor key. It was just the sound Burnett wanted to capture for the show’s second season.

    Nearly four years later, people aware of her acting career, and less so of her musical career, still see her as the brooding bar singer from the show.

    “Following the show, a lot of people expected that the girl — that character — I was playing was me,” said Lynn. “It’s interesting to try to bridge the gap between a character who people perceive to be as me, and me.”

    Lynn’s Americana sound is defined by her sultry voice and a succinct narrative. Lynn’s 2016 release, “Resistor” drew comparisons to Gillian Welch, Joni Mitchell, Fiona Apple, Margo Timmins and Norah Jones. It was an album she started writing while on set. To offset the gloom from the show, she said she poured a glass of wine and popped in a Pink Floyd CD. The result was the upbeat track “Shape Shifter.”

    “‘Resistor’ was a challenge,” said Lynn. “Because, I am a happy person, and I like to have fun! I like to dance, and I like to headbang, and I like to play a really loud electric guitar! I want those things to come through in my music, too.”

    “Resistor” was that bridge for Lynn and the fans who found her through the television series. There was a touch of the melancholy with a splash of the whimsy, such as the surf-noir track “Drive.” The play of her fuzzy guitar helps draw some fun from the surf rock genre local fans would recognize by Troy natives, and now Nashville residents, The Los Straitjackets.

    Lynn has already caught a big wave in 2018. She was named guest judge for the ongoing American Songwriter’s 2018 Lyric Contest alongside Charlie Worsham and Peter Bradley Adams.

    Two years removed from “Resistor,” Lynn said she has two albums worth of song material. A few of them she plans to play before audiences. Currently, she’s on a brief tour that will take her into New York City followed by Northampton, Mass; Albany and Vienna, Va. She hopes to have a new album out by this summer.

    Lynn’s writing process has changed over the years. Despite her gift for prose, she hates the process. Whereas her younger-self would sit down, write and be happy; she said she continuously works on each draft to strengthen her weaknesses. It’s a “squirmy” act she said she enjoys once it is done.

    “As you progress in songwriting… you learn to revise,” said Lynn, “and revise, and revise. Try to strengthen and outdo yourself. Learn to identify the weaknesses… I’m trying to hone, always.” Later this winter she will headline a show at Celtic Connections and perform overseas in a television tribute to one her favorites, Tom Petty. Petty, too, is said to have struggled through the writing of his songs. But, the finished work, Lynn said, “no one did that better.”

    “I think my whole life I’ve been searching for a way to write something that is succinct and poetic,” said Lynn. “Something that is commercial and artful. Something that people can understand on the first listen, but also has layers beneath for people to dig into.”

    This article was originally published by The Spot 518.

  • With a revamped lineup, Ponder set for big things in Buffalo

    Ponder, a three piece Indie band that started out at SUNY Geneseo, will perform on Saturday, February 3 at Nietzsche’s in Buffalo with The Good Neighbors and Max Muscato & Outer Harbor. This is the first show for Ponder since changing their name (from Ponder the Giraffe) and restructuring their lineup.

    ponder buffaloAfter winning a battle of the bands in 2015,  Ponder the Giraffe  earned the opportunity to open for New Politics in April 2016.  When the band graduated in May 2017, Gabriel Birkby (guitar, vocals), Andy Hogan (bass, vocals) and Aaron Murphy (drums) relocated to Buffalo to continue writing, recording, and performing.

    While the freedom of college allowed the band to focus almost solely on music, the band came to an understanding that perhaps it was time to move on from the college mentality, and entertained the notion that a re-structuring and re-vamping of the current sound and platform could be advantageous to pursuit of a life of music. Thus, “Ponder” was born. While the band has lost its giraffe, with Aaron Murphy seeking to pursue higher education and moving on as a full-time member, Gabe and Andy plan to soldier on.

    The trio performed at Rochester Fringe, with four sets over the last two years at Java’s Cafe, a cozy and eclectic coffee house tucked away on Gibbs Street off of East Avenue, right in the heart of Fringe. Ponder also performed alongside Buffalo’s Aqueous, as well as Jimkata and Space Carnival. The group recorded a four track EP, From The Porch to The Curb and a full length studio album (recorded at Quiet Country Audio), These Words, both of which are available on Spotify and iTunes.

    Ponder will be bringing new sounds, instrumentation, and members to the group, including a new (and yet to be officially determined) drummer to the mix, along with friend Paul Sottnik from Buffalo’s “The Everythingness,” on keys. More featured sit-ins from local musicians are planned for shows in the future, and ponder will always be looking for more musicians to share the stage with. Big things are on the way for the newly re-formed Ponder, with show and festival announcements soon to follow.

    On Sunday, February 11 at Mohawk Place in Buffalo, Ponder will open up for the eclectic rockers from North Carolina, BIG Something.

  • 5 Shows to See in Rochester in February

    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!

  • NYS Music Presents: Live Music across New York State this February

    It is that time again to start planning all the great musicians you are going to see this month.  NYS Music is here to help you out and give you the run down of when to mark your calendar in February for all the live music around you that you cannot miss.

    Buffalo – Nietzsche’s

    February 1st – The Plate Scrapers are making their Buffalo debut to start off the month at Nietzche’s with The Observers.  Come out for some original bluegrass and folk music. Event link.Image may contain: 1 person, outdoor

    February 7th – Buffalo-local rowdy jazz and bluesy roots band Folkfaces will be playing with American roots band Swampcandy. Event link.Image may contain: 5 people, people smiling, people standing, sunglasses, beard and outdoor

    February 16th – The award winning electronic-rock band, Space Junk will be having their CD Release at Nietzche’s and will be joined by the psychedelic jam trio Vibe & Direct. Event link.No automatic alt text available.

    February 24th – Starship Mantis, the funk, dance and R&B band, “dedicated to making you move,” is sure to do just that when the come through to Nietzche’s and you do not want to miss it. Event link.Image may contain: 5 people, beard

    Rochester – Funk ‘N Waffles

    February 1st – Come out for the groovy experimental beats and loops from “a DJ for people who are not fond of DJs,” Weazildust featuring drummer, Packy from Jimkata Event link.

    February 2nd – Dirty Blanket, the Finger Lakes native bluegrass band will be performing joined by The Plate Scrappers, and Steel Guapo Event link.

    February 3rd – Tragically Hip Tribute “Fully Complete Hip” will be bringing a crowd pleasing set with selections from the Hip’s library with theatrics and visuals that complete the experience. Event link.

    February 8th – Continuing their sweep through upstate New York, Folkfaces and  Swampcandy will be coming to Rochester following their Buffalo show for more bluegrass and good times. Event link.

    February 9th – Come find out why Kyle Hollingsworth’s genre can only be described as “keyboard wizardry.”  Kyle Hollingsworth Band will be performing with special guest funk and hip-hop band Sophistafunk and it is sure to be a night of incredible music you don’t want to miss.  Event link.

    February 10th – For some indie roots music that will make you want to sing a long and will without a doubt have you smiling along with the band, come see Parsonsfield with special guest Old Deer Ensemble. Event link.

    February 16th – The Rochester-native Moho Collective will be bringing their “sonic arsenal” with a healthy mix of jazz, funk, rock, folk and traditional sounds of the Middle East, Africa and Latin America to Funk ‘N Waffles with special guest Overhead Sam. Event link.

    February 17th – Singer-songwriter Aaron Rizzo will be performing his acoustic funk music that will please fans of artists from John Mayer to BJ The Chicago Kid, with special guest Tyler Pearce Duo and Sam Nitsch. Event link.

    February 23rd – If the name Cosmic Brownie doesn’t sell you enough, maybe the promise of more of their funky electronic music will.  Come out for their EP release party with special guest and futuristic funk band Eclat, as well as the hip-hop duo Carousel. Event link.

    February 24th – Mother Funkin’ Planets, the Rochester-based “funk groove powerhouse” will be taking on Funk “N Waffles with the Charles Walker Band. Event link.

    February 25th – It’s going to be a full night of high energy music as “punk-hop” artist Tommy Traina, rap and hip-hop artist Lamaj, hardcore punk band Citizens Against People, El Jefe, and Jiggy take over Funk ‘N Waffles for the night. Event link.

    February 26th – Don’t miss a night full of infectiously upbeat ska music featuring Bim Skala Bim, the Beaumonts, and Some Ska Band. Event link.

    Syracuse – Funk ‘N Waffles

    February 2nd– Before they hit Rochester, the Tragically Hip Tribute band “Fully Completely Hip” will be bringing their immersive live music experience to Syracuse the night before. Event link.

    February 3rd – If you miss them when they swing by Rochester the night before, don’t miss the “dirty string-slingin’” bluegrass sounds of Dirty Blanket wth special guests, The Plate Scrapers Event link.

    February 7th – Chris Merkley, Bea, and Charley Orlando will be performing in Syracuse and will be bringing a great live show full of alternative folk and folk rock.  Event link.

    February 8th – All the way from Michigan, don’t miss your chance to see the Motown inspired folk rock band Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers  joined by Boston’s hottest young rock, R&B, and funk band, Juice Event link.

    February 9th – Following their Buffalo and Rochester shows, Swampcandy and Folkfaces will be stopping by Syracuse.  So if you miss their two shows before, be sure to make it out for this one! Event link.

    February 10 – For another funky night at Funk ‘N Waffles, don’t miss Kyle Hollingsworth with special guest Sophistafunk.  If you didn’t catch them in Rochester the night before, be sure to make it out on the 10th! Event link.

    February 14 – Sundrop Rise will be filling the night with their groovy soul, funk, pop and reggae blended sounds with special guest The Cooled Jets. Event link.

    February 16th – The 16th is bound to be a night filled to the brim with fantastic live music and starts off with the blues sounds of Joe Louis Walker at 8 o’clock.  Event link.

    February 16th – Continuing the night with more blues music, Nat Gross will be taking the stage at 11. Event link.

    February 17th – Come out to hear the Americana-inspired sound of Steel Guapo with special guest Gerry Jarcia String Band when they roll through Syracuse. Event link.

    February 22nd – The jazz/groove quartet, Forq will be performing featuring the members of one of their favorite artists, Snarky Puppy & David Bowie. Event link.

    February 23rd – Following their debut the night before, Oval Sandwich, the side project of guitar player Rob Compa from Dodapod, will be performing in Syracuse with Wiley Riley on the keys and Paul McCardle on guitar. Event link.

    Albany – The Hollow Bar and Kitchen

    February 9th – Presented by Guthrie/Bell Productions, the progressive ukulele rock band, Cousin Earth will be joined by Ampevene who will be releasing their new live album at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen. Event link.Image may contain: one or more people, people on stage, people standing and people playing musical instruments

    February 16th – The contemporary rock trio Lespecial will be performing at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen with the soul/rock band, Front Business Event link.Image may contain: one or more people, people standing and outdoor

    February 23rd – Following Moe.’s show at the Palace, come out to the afterparty and see Floodwood, the Americana Newgrass band from Upstate New York and Space Carnival. Event link.Image may contain: 5 people, people smiling, people standing and outdoor

    February 24th – Following the second Moe. show marking their return to the Palace, the second afterparty will be featuring Electric Beethoven and Scott Haney Plays Video Games at the Hollow Bar + Kitchen. Event link. Image may contain: 5 people, people standing

  • moe. Return to the Capitol Theatre after Hiatus

    Buffalo jam legends moe. return to The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York for two sold-out shows after a 7-month hiatus. The band took a break from touring starting early last summer in light of bassist Rob Derhak’s cancer diagnosis, but has recently announced their triumphant return to the stage. With Rob out of commission for several months with oropharyngeal cancer, the other members pursued various side projects including performances with Mike Dillon and Everyone Orchestra, but will finally reunite to perform two nights at the historic Cap. He is now cancer-free and ready to return for a 6-show tour, Summer Camp Music Festival, and Peach Fest.


    moe.’s last show at the Capitol Theatre was a special holiday performance in December of 2016, and they managed to fill the room despite only giving fans a little over a month’s notice. This show featured several cuts from their Christmas album, as well as a Kinks cover, and a whopping three debuts of new moe. songs. They also sold out a smaller acoustic performance, in the attached bar, Garcia’s. In previous years, they have performed at the Cap with Nate Wilson on keys, and played a moe. and Friends show in honor of the anniversary of the Wetlands closing. moe. has historically delivered powerhouse performances at the Capitol, and a very eager fan-base has been waiting months for Rob’s return to health, and of course, moe.’s return to the spotlight. Listen to the December 2016 show on Archive.

    Fans should also be sure to check out renowned photographer Jay Blakesberg’s work at Garcia’s, where he will be exhibiting and selling his merch. Night One will also feature opening act Kung Fu, one of the world’s premier touring funk bands, which will hopefully lead to some sit-in action with moe. and a high-energy dance party, and perhaps the lucky moe.rons in attendance will get to hear some brand new moe. material. Welcome back, Rob. You have been sorely missed.

  • Sawyer Fredericks and Other Local Talent to Perform at 518Gives Benefit Sunday

    Update 02/04/2018: Capital Region fundraiser to help benefit the Center for Disability Services, #518Gives, ran another successful campaign in 2018 raising money, while setting a new record for the Center and it’s several other divisions helping to bring care the Capital Region including Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center, Life Quality Solutions Incubator, Prospect Center in Queensbury and St. Margaret’s Center in Albany.

    Taking place at the Radisson Hotel in Colonie, the fundraiser that included New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone, New York Giants tight end Evan Engram, Sawyer Fredericks, Christina Kokonis-Viggers, and several other local area acts help raise $2,712,015. Children from the center had a special card waiting for Sawyer when he arrived at the event thanking him.

    Deputy Executive Director of the Center’s Foundation, Anne Schneider Costigan, has this to say about the Centers plans for the rest of the calendar year “In 2018, we are focusing on achievements through innovation. The Center’s dedicated staff and unique programs enable people with disabilities to find new ways to move and communicate by using technology and specialized equipment. The community shares in this success and has again responded with generous support. A big thank you from everyone at the Center, the place where people get better at life.”

    The center is still accepting donations online, by phone at 518-944-2121, or by texting the phrase 518Gives to 41444.

    Original Article Follows:

    This year’s #518Gives annual fundraiser to benefit the Center for Disability Services, will feature local talent along with New York Giants tight end Evan Engram, and new manager of the New York Yankees, Aaron Boone. The event is this Sunday, Jan. 28 at the Radisson Hotel, located at 205 Wolf Road in Colonie. The event will be open to the public and televised from noon to 7 p.m. on WXXA/FOX23.

    Season 8 winner of NBC’s “The Voice,” Sawyer Fredericks, will return to the fundraiser for a second time, performing at 5:40 p.m. and 6 p.m. He won season 8 as member of team Pharrell (Williams). The singer/songwriter from Fultonville will play songs from his third album Hide Your Ghost.

    Other local talent appearing at the benefit fundraiser includes internet sensation Christina Kokonis-Viggers, whose work has seen more than 15 million views on the web. Other locals taking part are vocalist Jenna Sue, Kris Coleman, Kelsey Dodd, Jacqueline Goldstein, EJ Ray, Capital Harmony A Cappella, that will include 14 members from three area high schools, Olivia Gilbert, Donald Hyman, singer Arlethia Jones, the Electric City Chorus, and father and daughter duo, Darryl and Alex Daily. Stockbridge 3 will kick off the event with “What A Wonderful World.

    A singing group from the Center for Disability Services adult program, The Expressions, will also perform, and the Center’s adult actors will perform a scene from “Beauty & the Beast.”

    For those looking to help support this outstanding cause, there are several ways to donate. You can text the phrase 518Gives to 41444, or donate online at the Center’s website. Call one of the several operators that will be standing by at 518-459-7070 to make a pledge that day, or simply show up to the Radisson Hotel in person and donate.

    For more information about the event, head to the Center’s Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and at #518Gives online. All proceeds from the fundraiser support the Center and its divisions:  Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center, Life Quality Solutions Incubator, Prospect Center in Queensbury and St. Margaret’s Center in Albany.

  • Scott Hannay Plays Video Games with Friends

    So, what do you do when your actively touring band goes on a hiatus? If you’re Scott Hannay (Mister F), you play video games, or at least video game music… or both.  Scott Hannay Plays Video Games – Multiplayer Edition, is a unique twist on the 8-Bit music that so many gamers hold dear.  Hannay is bringing five of his favorite musicians as part of his new project to The Jewel in Manchester, NH this Saturday, and The Monopole in Plattsburgh on February 23.Scott Hannay Plays Video GamesScott Hannay Plays Video Games Multiplayer Edition features a rotating cast of video game loving, musically inclined masters all trying to level up.  Hannay handles keys duties and will will be joined by fellow Mister F band mate Matt Pickering on drums, guitarists Matt Dempsey (Cosmic Dust Bunnies) and Andrew Carton (Chromatropic), percussionist Josh West (Annie in the Water/Lucid) and bassist Billy Comstock (Annie in the Water, Twiddle).

    Over the summer Mister F performed what became known as the “Game Genie” set at the Night Lights Music Festival.  While working on that project, Hannay began to perform a series of solo shows, showcasing his 8-bit prowess.  With Mister F on hiatus, Hannay wanted to expand the idea to include a full band that would change players with each new city or performance.

    “I put a post out on Facebook to sort of see if the idea would grow legs, and it did,” Hannay told NYS Music. “I had a number of people reach out immediately about wanting to be involved.

    The Multiplayer Edition was debuted on Jan 19 at Toads Place in New Haven, CT.  The set featured Comstock, Dempsey and Cosmic Dust Bunnies drummer Eric Hyland.

    As a young boy, Hannay cut his teeth on his family’s piano by gingerly plunking out notes to his favorite video game tunes. By his teen years, he was obsessed with MIDI files, bought some cheap software and began transcribing video game soundtracks like Mega Man 1, 2, 3, Contra, Mario 1, and Zelda 1 . Transcription gave way to recording and recording ultimately led Hannay to learn guitar, bass and keys. All of which gave way to Hannay becoming a working a musician.

    Hannay’s skills behind the keys has led to sit-ins with a laundry list of artists including Umphrey’s McGee, Twiddle, Dopapod, Turkuaz, Pink Talking Fish, Aqueous, The Werks, Mihali and Frends, Particle, and Kung Fu.

    And while Hannay’s history of video games and 8-bit artistry indicates the Scott Hannay Plays Video Games project is a literal dream come true, Hannay noted in a Solitaire Cash review that he’s excited by the reaction of his fellow SHPVG players.

    “One of my favorite things about this, that I discovered last week at Toad’s Place, is how much fun the others are having, ” Hannay said, ” I know how much I love playing this stuff, and how much video game music has meant to my musical growth since I was young. It also breaks off a piece of childhood and brings it right to the forefront – with a full band, that part of the experience is made quite obvious.”

    Scott Hannay Plays Video Games – Solo Edition is also slated to stop in Plattsburgh, NY on February 23 at Monopole. Tickets for this Saturday’s show at Jewel Music Venue will be available at the door for $10.  Show starts at 8pm and is 21+.

  • Funk Night returns this February with members of Dopapod, Kung Fu and Wurliday

    Funk Night in Albany will return on February 15 at Parish Public House with members of Dopapod, Kung Fu and Wurliday. Featuring Rob Compa (Dopapod), Beau Sasser (Kung Fu), Adrian Tramontano (Kung Fu) and Justin Henricks (Wurliday), this night of funk will shake off any Valentine’s Day blues that may be lingering. Tickets available now or at the door.

    funk night dopapod kung fu

    Watch “Will it Go Round in Circles?,” from Funk Night in September featuring Starbird-Mazer/Skursky/Smith, Joe Davis from Formula 5, Scott Hannay of Mister F and Connor Dunn from Let’s Be Leonard.

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