NYS Music 20​18

Category: Upcoming Shows

  • NYS Music Presents: Live Shows to Fill Your July

    There’s nothing like a great concert to brighten summer days even more.  Here to make it all the more easy for you, NYS Music is bringing you our run down of all the can’t-miss action throughout New York State’s music scene throughout July.

    Rochester – Funk ‘N Waffles

     July 6th – You will not want to miss Andy Frasco’s “party blues with a touch of barefoot boogie,” style as him and his band bring feel good music to Funk ‘N Waffles with The UN.  Click the link for more event and ticket details. Event link.

    July 7th – The night following their Syracuse show, Victor Wainwright and The Train will be bringing another show sure to make you smile to Rochester. Event link.

    July 10th – Syracuse native, Funk ‘N Waffles house band, Pearly Baker’s Best, will be moving over to Rochester for the night to perform their tribute to the Grateful Dead with David Gans. Event link.

    July 12 – Adam Ezra Group, a personal favorite of mine, will be bringing their roots rock to Rochester and it is sure to be a show you do not want to miss! Event link.

    July 13th – The Gerry Jarcia String Band will be making a stop on their summer Powerwagon Tour and is bringing along some “post nuclear music” courtesy of the dynamic group, Electric Kif. Event link.

    July 18th – Reggae artist Alika will be playing at the Music Hall with M.A.K.U Soundsystem to celebrate of self discovery through music and, as always, bring the party with their punk, funk and rock sound. Event link.

    July 19th – Indie rock and R&B infused band, Little Bird, will be stopping by on their summer tour with the funk fusion quartet, The Phryg.  Event link.

    July 21st – It’s Cosmic Brownie’s 1 year anniversary and they want Rochester to join in on the celebration! To commemorate the occasion, the alternative hip-hop duo will be playing with electronic drummer and producer, Hybrid Beats, as well as Level 7. Event link.

    July 25th – Calliope Musicals will be making the long and treacherous trek from space (or Austin, Texas) with special guests Stationary Escape Pod for an energetic and alluring night of music. Event link.

    July 31st – Amoramora guarantees that every show is sure to, “blast you off into a cosmic dance party,” so don’t miss this golden opportunity to witness their rock ‘n’ roll with special guest Walrus Junction.  Event link.

    Syracuse – Funk ‘N Waffles

    July 6th – The award-winning blues, soul and rock songwriter, Victor Wainwright, will be stopping in Syracuse on the album release tour of his band Victor Wainwright and The Train accompanied by Doug Woolverton on Trumpet.  Event link.

    July 9th – Dead Nights are the best nights, especially when they are brought to you by Pearly Baker’s Best. Event link.

    July 11th – Before the always-traveling group hits Rochester, Adam Ezra Group will be performing with New York native group, The Sea the Sea.  This powerhouse pairing is sure to make for an incredible night of music you can’t miss. Event link.

    July 14th – Upstate New York has the privilege of being graced with another stop on Gerry Jarcia’s Powerwagon Tour.  Once again, the string band will be joined by Electric Kif. Event link.

    July 18th – The night before their Rochester show, Little Bird will be playing Funk ‘N Waffles with lively afro-beat and reggae group Akuma Roots.  Event link.

    July 19th – Chris Eves and the New Normal, rock, funk, blues and jam band, will be performing with special guest, The Melting Nomads, who will be supplying dirty funky fusion. Event link.

    July 21st – It’s sure to be a jam-packed night full of electrifying performances as the Barroom Philosophers, Ponder, General B and The Wiz take on Funk ‘N Waffles for the night.  Event link.

    July 26th – For all alternative music fans, Calliope Musicals with Philadelphia-native band, Pet Cheetah, is sure to be a show to remember. Event link.

    July 27th – Andy Frasco & The UN will be kicking off a vibrant month of music at Funk ‘N Waffles in Rochester and will be closing it out at Syracuse. Make sure to come out for the good vibes and great music. Event link.

    Lake George

    July 13th – A lot of exciting things are happening with one of our favorite Upstate New York-local bands, Formula 5, and included on this list is the fact that they will be hosting the second annual Rock the Dock Festival in Lake George.  The festival will be held on the dock of the Lake George Steamboat Company and will host a multitude of other great acts including Soule Monde, Strange Machines and Let’s Be Leonard.  On your way to the event, make sure you grab a Formula 5 flavored shake at Ben & Jerry’s! Event link.

    Saranac Lake – The Waterhole

    The historic Waterhole in Saranac Lake welcomes West End Blend for ‘The Blender’ – a two night affair with Bella’s Bartok as special guest on Friday, July 13, and a tribute to Prince with WEB on Saturday, July 14. Two day passes cost $24, or $15 each day at the door. On Saturday afternoon enjoy a FREE show with “Blender on the Patio” will go from 5pm to 10pm featuring Jiggawaltz, Adrian Aardvark and Arthur Buezo.

    Buffalo – Nietzsche’s 

    The Jazz Happy Hour that got you through every Monday in June is continuing on through July at Nietzche’s in Buffalo with another incredible lineup of artists.

    July 2nd – Frontstreet Men will be bringing a high energy set full of covers of some classics as well as their own bluesy, funky originals.  Event link.

    July 9th – No strangers to jazz at Nietzche’s, Jared Tinkham Trio will be taking over happy hour on the 9th.  Event link.

    July 16th – Buffalo-based and renowned jazz improvisation artist, Donny Frauenhofer, will be performing on the 16th. Event link.

    July 23rd – Head out on the 23rd to enjoy some smooth sounds from the Brendan Lonighan Octet. Event link.

    July 30th – To close out yet another month of the happiest hours in Upstate New York, Buffalo Infringement Festival Presents Curtis Lovell. Event link.

  • Alex Bay’s Riverboat Bar Announces Summer 2018 Lineup

    The Riverboat Bar announced their Summer 2018 Live Music Series. The fourth-annual live music series in Alexandria Bay, features national touring bands from around the Northeast — heavily focusing on promoting original music. There will be a total of 25 bands performing throughout the series — 14 returning and 11 new bands will make their debut. Most of the shows are free to attend.

    New this year will be a 1000 Islands concert cruise boat tour party. On Friday, Aug. 24, The Blind Owl band will perform two sets on the water from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The show will take place on one of Uncle Sam’s tour boat. This will be a ticketed event. Afterward, Folkfaces are set to play an afterparty at The Riverboat Bar.

    This weekend to close out June, Wild Adriatic performs Friday and Mike Powell & The Black River is to play Saturday.

    July’s bands includes: Aqueous; Broccoli Samurai; Formula 5; Funktional Flow; Balkun Brothers; The Melting Nomads; Chris James & Mama G; and Let’s Be Leonard.

    August’s bands include: The Old Main; The Northmen; and Adapter. Then coinciding with Alex Bay’s annual 10-day Bill Johnstons Pirate Days event, The Riverboat Bar booked Nina’s Brew, Gang of Thieves, Quantum Cosmic (featuring members of Annie in the Water, Lord Electro, Knot Dead and Raisin Head) and Barroom Philosophers.

    The Riverboat Bar is located at 15 Church St., Alexandria Bay, NY

    Friday, June 29 — Wild Adriatic
    Saturday, June 30 — Mike Powell & The Black River
    Friday, July 6 — The Melting Nomads
    Saturday, July 7 — Balkun Brothers
    Friday, July 13 — Funktional Flow
    Saturday, July 14 — Let’s Be Leonard
    Friday, July 20 — Aqueous
    Saturday, July 21 — Chris James & Mama G Band
    Friday, July 27 — Formula 5
    Saturday, July 28 — Broccoli Samurai
    Friday, Aug. 4 — The Old Main
    Saturday, Aug. 5 — Adapter with special guests The Northmen
    Friday, Aug. 10 — Nina’s Brew
    Saturday, Aug. 11 — Quantum Cosmic featuring members of Annie in the Water, Lord Electro, Knot Dead and Raisin Head
    Friday, Aug. 17 — Gang of Thieves
    Saturday, Aug. 18 — Barroom Philosophers
    Friday, Aug. 24 — Blind Owl Band (Uncle Sam’s Boat Tour Party)
    Friday, Aug, 24 — Folkfaces (Blind Owl Band afterparty)
    Saturday, Aug. 25 — To be announced

  • American Music Festival for the Lake Returns to Lake George

    The 2018 American Music Festival for the Lake returns to Lake George at Charles Wood Park June 30 and July 1 after being absent for a year. This year will feature a mainstream country headliner and an artist who shows a progressive viewpoint on America today.

    Amy Helm

    Jamie Lee Thurston will be performing on Saturday and is known for being “Nashville-by-way-of-Vermont.” He has perfected the roles of being an entertainer, a vocalist, an instrumentalist, and a producer all at the same time which isn’t often seen in the music industry. Thurston has shared stages with country music’s biggest acts, such as the Waylon Jennings, Roger Miller, the Dixie Chicks, Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Billy Currington and Charlie Daniels. Joining him on Saturday will be award-winning rockabilly partymakers the Lustre Kings and rising 518 star Vinny Michaels and his solid backing band.

    Amy Helm and her Handsome Strangers band will be performing on Sunday. She is known for being a lifelong musician and music-lover. The Band is known for its legendary drummer and singer Levon Helm and singer/songwriter Libby Titus which are both known for guiding Helm’s training and influences. Helm has currently taken over the role of tribal chief of the Woodstock area’s musicians’ network which was previously a role her father filled. In the process, she has established herself as a major national act in her own right. Joining her on Sunday will be Boston-based twangster’s Girls Guns & Glory (which have been compared to Chris Isaak) and a reunion show by 518 jam band pioneers Raisinhead.

    Gates Open for both shows at Noon, with the music starting at 1:00 p.m. Headliners are due on stage at approximately 4:00 p.m.. Food and beverage service will be available, as well as a playground and skate park for the kids. All for free, as is the Million Dollar Beach right across the road. Attendees are also encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for best seating in the grassy, open-air field.

  • JAZZ IS PHSH founder Adam Chase discusses band, shows in Upstate this month

    JAZZ IS PHSH is in the middle of their Northeast tour across New York, with stops in New Hampshire and Boston, bringing with them an incredible lineup of musicians who explore the music of Phish with a focus on improvisation of the group’s many compositions.  Adam Chase, co-founder of the JAZZ IS PHSH ensemble, is introducing broader audiences to not only the music of Phish from musicians who did not come up in the jam world, but to also introduce Phish fans to musicians that may or may not have been on their radar.

    The current tour includes familiar faces in the jam scene such as Rob Compa of Dopapod, a Berklee School of Music graduate who has been performing recently with Mike Gantzer of Aqueous, where you can hear Compa’s jazz influences come out from a smooth sounding acoustic duo. A trio of horns features trombonist Alicia Aubin of Big Mean Sound Machine and Ithaca College alumni who has performed across the country with the high-energy funk band, and as far away as China and Russia. Rounding out the horns section are Carl “Geerz” Gerhard and Dave “The Truth” Grippo of Phish’s Giant Country horns, the latter two of which performed with Phish numerous times in the early 90’s. Grippo continues to perform with Grippo Funk Band in the Burlington area and has toured with Trey Anastasio Band on numerous occasions.

    JAZZ IS PHSH

    Familiarity with these players will make jam fans feel at home, while Felix Pastorius and Domi Degalle will add in fresh jazz takes on the music of Phish. Son of Jaco, Felix Pastorius walks in his father’s footsteps as a bass guitarist, who at the age of 19 was recommended by Victor Wooten to fill the bass chair in Jeff Coffin’s Mu’tet. He won a Grammy with jazz mainstay The Yellowjackets, and now based in New York City, has started his own projects, including an incredible jazz fusion group The Hipster Assassins. Domi is a teenage musical prodigy and was brought up in a musical family in France and began playing music at age 2, entered Conservatory at age 5 to study classical and jazz. She is now studying on a full scholarship at Berklee College of Music and has performed with the likes of Thundercat, David Gilmour, Ghost-Note, MonoNeon, Louis Cole & More. Both musicians are well known in jazz circles and join the band for a different angle on the music of Phish, a twist on your everyday troupe.

    The group will perform this month in Albany at The Egg on June 27, at Buffalo Iron Works on June 28, and ANTHOLOGY in Rochester on June 29. They recently stopped at Brooklyn Bowl to perform with Strange Machines on June 16. Check out a photo gallery over at Relix. Adam Chase, who also plays drums in JAZZ IS PHSH spoke to NYS Music about the upcoming shows and how their interpretations of Phish’s music stands apart from others.

    Pete Mason: How did you assemble this tour’s lineup for Jazz is Phish?

    Adam Chase: I really like combining musicians from a variety of backgrounds on each show, whether it’s older and younger musicians, male and female, black and white, etc. And for this project the musical backgrounds being diverse is very important, regardless of gender or ethnicity.

    Having a combination of musicians that are familiar with the music and musicians that never listened to Phish before I introduced them to it is the best recipe for really doing justice to the compositions while pushing the boundaries of what the tunes can sound like.

    For this run I am particularly excited about having the teenage piano prodigy, DOMi, on the road with us. Having grown up in France and having her exposure to music in America be through jazz and classical professors at Berklee School of Music and through her collaborations with Thunder Cat, Knower, and Ghost Note, her lack of knowledge of Phish has been really fun for me. She is so talented that she can take the sheet music I give her and not only play the complex compositions with ease, but is also able to expand the ideas and improvise in a way that I’ve never heard within the framework of a Phish song.

    Being able to pair her talents with Felix Pastorius is very exciting for me as well. As many people know, Felix is the son of Jaco Pastorius, which carries a fair amount of weight for the level of talent one would expect, but what a lot of people don’t know is that Felix himself is one of the best bassists around and he has his own voice on his instrument. His knowledge of music and his approach to playing bass is mind bending and he is one of my favorite musicians to play with.

    In addition we have Rob Compa of Dopapod who is great guitarist and amazing human being, Alicia Aubin from Big Mean Sound Machine who will be making her debut with us and Dave Grippo of The Giant Country Horns. It’s always fun for me to play music with guys like Carl Gerhard and Dave Grippo, because growing up in the 90s as a Phish head, I had a ton of cassette tapes of those guys playing with Phish. They are quintessential figures in the Phish experience.

    PM: What makes the interpretations of Phish’s music done by JAZZ IS PHSH different from those of other Phish tributes?

    AC: There are lots of Phish cover bands. I don’t consider this to be a Phish cover band, though it is absolutely a Phish tribute. I may be splitting hair with terminology, but when I think of a Phish cover band, I think of a band trying to play Phish songs like Phish did in attempt to recreate the experience of seeing Phish (or as close to that as they can get). With Jazz Is Phsh our goal is to create a unique experience, where the music is a vehicle for incredible musicians to put their own identity into the music. Not just from an improvisational perspective but also from a compositional perspective.

    Every song that we have done arrangements for have happened in a group setting with musicians that range from Chris Bullock of Snarky Puppy and Kofi Burbridge of Tedeschi Trucks Band, but also Michael Ray of Sun Ra Arkestra and Anthony Wellington of Victor Wooten Band. With each arrangement, we have not only reharmonizes the vocal melodies to fit into a horn section but for many songs we have composed original parts, reworked existing parts and even mashed up Phish songs with jazz songs and in some cases even jazz influenced hip hop.

    A recent mashup we did took the popular Phish cover “Yamar” (which is actually an old calypso song) and mashed it up with the Q Tip song “ManWomanBoogie”. What makes this mashup so cool is that the Q Tip song was a variation of a sample of a Wayne Shorter jazz piece. What makes this so relevant to me is that jazz is often trapped in a box and held to just being swing music or a sound associated with the legends of the origins of jazz. But jazz is much more than that. Just follow the career of Herbie Hancock and you will see how jazz has evolved into funk, hip hop and so much more. The idea of jam music to me is the intersection of jazz and rock and roll. So to be able to explore the brilliant music of Phish in this way is what jazz is all about.

    PM: Is there an era of Phish that lines up with the sound of Jazz is Phish more than any other?

    AC: I think what we are doing is very unique and different so it would be hard to say if it lines up with any particular era of Phish. I do however enjoy turning on musicians to some of the early compositions of Phish as the complexity of the arrangements are very “Zappa-esque” and provide a challenge and in some cases an explanation of what a musician would find so charming about Phish’s music. But really there are Phish songs throughout their career that lend themselves so well to a horn driven, instrumental, funky jazzy setting.

    PM: This is your first time in Albany, and you’re playing in The Swyer Theater at The Egg – what can fans expect from a show in this intimate venue?

    AC: We are particularly excited to play this beautiful room. It’s always special when playing this type of music, to be in a room with great sound and a great feel. It really opens up the dynamics of the music and the creativity the musicians feel. I find that shows in rooms like this, feel like they have room to breathe, which is very exciting. I am looking forward to really giving each musician an opportunity to showcase their talents while also exploring the music collectively in a way that will really connect everyone in the audience with everyone on stage. When everyone on stage and the audience are all listening wholeheartedly and in the moment, magic can be made.

    JAZZ IS PHSH Tour Dates
    June 27 at The Egg Performing Arts Center, Albany NY
    June 28 at Buffalo Iron Works, Buffalo NY
    June 29 at Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival at ANTHOLOGY, Rochester, NY
    July 5 at Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley, CA
    July 7 at High Sierra Music Festival, Quincy, CA
    July 8 at High Sierra Music Festival, Quincy, CA

  • The NYS Music Guide to the 2018 Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival

    During the seemingly unending winter, Rochesterians yearn for a glimpse of the warming sun. As soon as the summer hits however, a large number of them start ducking in and out of dark halls, churches theaters and clubs, now yearning for a glimpse of some of the greatest musical talent the world over. From June 22 through 30, 2018 Rochester Jazz Fest will once again become one of the hottest destinations for live jazz, and music in general. The 17th edition of the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Fest is bringing 1500 artists from 20 countries to play over 300 shows in 20 different venues. 214 club pass shows, 97 free shows and 5 headliner shows all happening over a 9-day stretch inside 1 square mile. That’s a lot of numbers to crunch, and you just want to see some music. Thankfully we’re here to do the math, calculating the perfect slate for any music lover. Whatever you’re pleasure, there’s a number that fits. Check out our picks below, and don’t forget to also read our tips for the best way to enjoy your time at the fest.

    1 Voice

    These are the singers we’ll have our eyes on:

    https://youtu.be/JJYzPOYHOao

    Songs of Freedom
    Drummer Ulysses Owens Jr. originally put together this show for a special gig at Lincoln Center. It features not just one, but three amazing voices singing songs from not just one but three iconic singers. The show explores the 1960s through through the music of Nina Simone, Joni Mitchell and Abbey Lincoln and will feature the singers Theo Bleckmann, Alicia Olatuja and Joanna Majoko.

    June 27, Kilbourn Hall, 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.; $35 or Club Pass

    Zara McFarlane
    An award-winning singer from the UK with roots in the Caribbean, McFarlane’s sound adds reggae and soul to a jazz base, but it doesn’t stop there in breaking down new barriers in music. She’s in the thick of a new and young British jazz renaissance and is joined on her latest release by XRIJF alums Moses Boyd, Binker Goldings and Shabaka Hutchings. This won’t be your typical jazz vocal set.

    June 25, Christ Church, 6:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    The Suffers
    We could easily throw this Houston band into the next category because they’ll certainly get you moving with their big band Gulf Coast soul music, but it all comes back to Kam Franklin and her big time pipes. They’ve wowed at many a festival all around the world, but now it’s Rochester’s turn.

    June 28, Harro East, 5:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Also check out:

    Liz Vice
    June 27, Montage Music Hall, 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Deva Mahal
    June 30, Harro East, 5:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    2 Feet

    In the mood to dance? Here are some artists that will get your body moving:

    St. Germain
    An innovator of house music, St. Germain is the stage name of Frenchman Ludovic Navarre. He combines jazz, blues and African music with electronic music. Even if you’ve never heard of him, you’ve likely heard him, his songs like “Alabama Blues” and “Rose Rouge” were widespread hits. Even his music that is now decades old sounds fresh and new today.

    June 29, City of Rochester East Ave and Chestnut St Stage, 9:00 p.m.; Free

    Tower of Power
    Going further back, Tower of Power have been blasting their tunes for 50 years and are celebrating as such all year. As appropriate a name in a band as you will find, this horn-based funk and R&B band is truly a towering power, with charting hits like “You’re Still a Young Man”, “So Very Hard to Go”, “What Is Hip?”, and “Don’t Change Horses (in the Middle of a Stream)”.

    June 30, City of Rochester East Ave and Chestnut St Stage, 9:00 p.m.; Free

    Moon Hooch
    Moon Hooch resides somewhere in between St. Germain and Tower of Power, the up-and-coming three piece combines bombastic saxophones with eclectic drumming to arrive in an electronic music space via a more organic path. It’s unique and will make your mind spin, but it’ll also get your feet moving.

    June 24, Rochester Regional Health Big Tent, 8:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass
    June 25, Montage Music Hall    , 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Also check out:

    Ghost-Note with Mononeon
    June 27, Harro East, 5:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass
    June 28, Squeezers Stage at Anthology, 7:45 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Mwenso and the Shakes
    June 23, Xerox Auditorium, 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    6 Strings

    Here are some musicians that will be lighting fires with axes:

    Scott Sharrard
    You may have caught Sharrard a couple of years ago as a part of the late Greg Allman’s band when he headlined at the Eastman Theatre. Sharrard was a long-time member and musical director of Allman’s band, but he also has a long solo career of his own. Now he’s fronting his Brickyard Band, playing raw and vital blues rock. They’ll be bringing material from their forthcoming album, Saving Grace.

    June 22, City of Rochester East Ave and Chestnut St Stage, 9:00 p.m.; Free
    June 23, City of Rochester Jazz St Stage, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; Free

    Stephane Wrembel
    The mantra of the festival might be “It’s not who you know, it’s who you don’t know,” though after 17 years it’s tough not to have return visits. Wrembel is coming back for the 5th time, and has been a fan favorite every year. He returns almost yearly for non-festival shows and even recorded a live album in town at the Lovin’ Cup a few years ago. We probably don’t need to tell you, but you won’t want to miss his set this year either.

    June 29, Max of Eastman Place, 6:15 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Ron Artis II and the Truth
    If you’re looking for a fresh-faced axe slinger to blow you away, look no further than Ron Artis. This Hawaiian band oozes soul and backs it with exhilarating instrumentation. They’ll bring material from their recently released debut album, Soul Street, and will leave town with a whole bunch of new fans.

    June 22, Rochester Regional Health Big Tent, 8:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass
    June 23, Montage Music Hall    , 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Also check out:

    Jack Broadbent
    June 23, Harro East, 5:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass
    June 24, Xerox Auditorium, 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Torben Waldorff
    June 27, Lutheran Church of the Reformation, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    50 Stars, 13 Stripes

    That’s the flag we’re referencing there, and these are acts steeped in Americana:

    Pokey Lafarge
    Another returnee, Pokey Lafarge is coming back to the festival after six years away. In our review of his Lilac Festival set a few years back, we noted “his music does pull from many early music influences like Western swing, ragtime, old-time country and jazz, it manages to rise above a simple throwback.”

    June 29, City of Rochester Stage at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, 9:00 p.m.; Free

    Alison Krauss
    Grammy-winning bluegrass, folk and country singer Alison Krauss comes to the festival behind  her critically-acclaimed new album Windy City, her first without Union Station in a decade. Her smooth-as-silk voice will be even more front and center than usual and the show will be as captivating as you’ve come to expect.

    June 27, Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, 8:00 p.m.;$115/$105/$85/$70 or Club Pass

    Dustbowl Revival
    One of our favorite finds from last year’s fest, Dustbowl Revival, “a string band with a horn section, used each of its eight pieces to their advantage, moving from swing to ska to folk to blues to funk to rock and everything in between.” Anyone who caught them last year will certainly be on their way to see them again.

    June 24, Harro East, 5:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Also check out:

    Junior Brown
    June 26, Squeezers Stage at Anthology, 7:45 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    VickiKristinaBarcelona Sings the Music of Tom Waits
    June 26, Montage Music Hall, 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    88 Keys

    As always there’s plenty of piano talent to go around, these are the ones we’re most excited to check out:

    The Bad Plus
    Genre-bending trio The Bad Plus premiered material from a forthcoming album featuring singer Wendy Lewis at the festival in 2008. It was quite the surprise at the time. Ten years later they finally return, and again have a lineup change. Pianist Ethan Iverson left the band at the end of last year, and was replaced by Orrin Evans. The band promptly released a new album, Never Stop II, and we’ll get a peek at some of that material and a lot more.

    June 23, Temple Building, 7:00 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Pilc Moutin Hoenig
    Heavily improvised and inventive, this trio out of New York featuring Jean-Michel Pilc, Francoise Moutin and Ari Hoenig. Each brings their individual instrumental prowess together to form something wholly unique. For the full experience, you can also catch Pilc perform solo piano at the Hatch Hall on the next night (at 5:45 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.).

    June 28, Lutheran Church of the Reformation, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Gogo Penguin
    They played their first ever North American gig in Rochester when they nearly topped our list of the 10 best sets of the 2015 festival. They’ve expanded their reach and have been winning fans the world over. “The music is thoroughly melodic, not veering into traditional solos, and taking cues from both classical and pop music for a unique sound that isn’t immediately identifiable as jazz.” Our most anticipated returning artist is a toss-up between Gogo Penguin and The Bad Plus. We wouldn’t miss either!

    June 28, Xerox Auditorium, 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Also check out:

    Django Bates Beloved
    June 23, Christ Church, 6:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Alfredo Rodriguez and Pedrito Martinez
    June 22, Xerox Auditorium, 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    ∞ Possibilities

    The skies the limit with these artists who push the boundaries of music:

    House of Waters
    It’s your one chance to see the hammered dulcimer at the festival, so thankfully it’s a player, Max ZT who NPR calls the “Jimi Hendrix of hammered dulcimer.” Forget everything you know about the instrument as ZT has all but reinvented the sound. With jazz bassist Moto Fukushima and South American drummer Ignacius Rivas Bixio, House of Waters creates a musical blend unlike any you’ve ever heard.

    June 26, Max of Eastman Place, 6:15 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Matt Wilson’s Honey and Salt Band
    Wilson’s latest project, the Honey and Salt Band, plays music inspired by, and including the words of the poetry of Carl Sandburg. It is off-beat and quirky, funny and fun and will have you smiling ear to ear for the duration of their set. You kind of just need to go see it.

    June 30, Kilbourn Hall, 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.; $35 or Club Pass

    Beats and Pieces Big Band
    A big band for the next generation, bandleader Ben Cottrell conducts this 14-piece outfit out of Manchester, England. Their music is equal parts rocking, jazzy and ethereal. The band’s lineup hasn’t changed much in ten years making for a supremely tight group that has incredible agility for a band of this size. Expect the unexpected.

    June 24, Christ Church, 6:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Also check out:

    Trail of Souls
    June 25, Lutheran Church of the Reformation, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Shake Stew
    June 27, Xerox Auditorium, 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.; $30 or Club Pass

    Be sure and check out the full schedule and download the app at rochesterjazz.com to construct your own nightly schedule.

  • Party on the Patio is the place to be every Thursday this summer in Saranac Lake

    The Waterhole’s free live music series Party on the Patio continues this summer and turns the Adirondack village’s Main Street into a block party every Thursday night. Every Party on the Patio is free and with Happy Hour running from 4-7pm each Thursday, there will be various drink specials as well. Locals and fans often gather outside the fence enclosing the patio area with dogs and children to take in the tunes as well. On rainy evenings, bands will move into the Waterhole’s upstairs music venue.

    Doors open at 6pm, music starts at 7pm and goes until 10pm. The season series started on April 19th and goes until October 4th.

    party on the patio thursday

    Since the 1990s, national acts such as Soulive, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, moe., Ominous Seapods and the Del McCoury Band have graced the Waterhole’s stage, among countless others in the 20 years the venue has been hosting music. Owner Eric Munley’s continues a tradition of music at The Waterhole that has been praised by fans both in and out of the Adirondacks for continuing to the live music pumping in the North Country.

    Check out the musicians coming to The Waterhole this summer for Party on the Patio!

    October 4th – Swampcandy – Old Times Blues – Stomp Boogie – Annapolis, MD

    Party on the Patio show artists from earlier this season

    April 19th – Formula 5 – Jam Band – Albany, NY

    April 26th – Goose – Funk – Rock – Jam – Reggae – Norwich, CT

    May 3rd – Wild Adriatic – Rock & Roll – Saratoga Springs, NY

    May 10th – Barika – Funky – Dubbed Out – Psychedelic West African – Burlington, VT

    May 17th – Smalltalker – Soul – Burlington, VT

    May 24th – The Heavy Pets wsg. Peak – Funky Rock & Roll – South Florida

    May 31st – Luxdelux – Straight Rock & Roll – Northampton, MA

    June 7th – The Urban Pioneers – Bluegrass – Old Time – Folk

    June 14th – Nina’s Brew – Blues Soul – R&B – Burlington, VT
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9NGREX9BIE

    June 21st – After Funk – Funk – Rock – Soul – Toronto, Ontario

    June 28th – The Mallett Brothers Band – Roots Rock – Alt Country – Portland, ME

    July 5 – Lady Moon and The Eclipse – Cosmic Soul – Brooklyn, NY

    July 12th – Dr. Slothclaw – Freak Funk – Pennsylvania

    July 19th – The Blind Owl Band – Freight Train String Music – Saranac Lake, NY

    July 26th – Dynamo – R&B – Funk – Jazz – Nashville, TN

    August 2nd – Folkfaces – Ragtime – Folk – Jazz – Blues – Buffalo, NY

    August 9th – Los Blancos – Roots and Blues – Syracuse, NY

    August 16th – Raisinhead – Jam Band – Albany, NY

    August 23rd – Rumpke Mountain Boys – Infamous Trash Grass – Cincinnati, OH

    August 30th – Mosaic Foundation – Reggae – Rochester, NY

    September 9th – The Old Main – Americana – Folk – Rock – Utica, NY

    September 13th – Root Shock – Roots – Reggae – Soul – Syracuse, NY
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VxS8VRzrIs

    September 20th – Danielle Ponder and the Tomorrow People – Soul – Rochester, NY
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lmM36tk9XE

    September 27th – Wurliday – Soul Funk – Albany, NY

  • Celebrate Gay Pride this month in Albany

    This Sunday in Albany, the Pride Center of the Capital Region will celebrate and hold its annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Festival and Parade. The parade will step off at noon along Lark Street and the festival will continue until 5 PM in Washington Park. The parade and festival take place each June during LGBTQ Pride Month and commemorates the Stonewall Riots that occurred in June 1969 in New York City that ignited the modern-day LGBTQ movement.

    The festival promises to be the not-to-be-missed event of the year, featuring Grammy winning pop star, Estelle, American Idol Top 10 Finalist Ada Vox, and locally popular band Grand Central Station. This is a free, family-friendly event full of music, laughter, food, and fun and dozens of vendors will be on hand. For more information and events throughout Pride Month Capital Pride.

  • Intrepid Travelers wrap up May Residency at Nietzsche’s, look ahead to Solstice Fest on June 21

    Intrepid Travelers performed the fifth and final show of their Cinco En Mayo Residency at Nietzsche’s on Thursday, May 31. “Freedom” was the theme for the night and the band took that as an opportunity to be “free” of any theme, and to play all the original tunes that had yet to be played this month. “Stand The Heat” was aborted as an audience member shouting “Free Bird!” was challenged to come up and play the song.

    “Free Bird” featured Sean MacNamara (aka Free Bird Guy) from Mosswalk on guitar and vocals. “Stand The Heat” featured MacNamara on guitar. “Get IT To You” was dedicated to former IT bassist David Neimanis and featured teases from each residency theme: “Get Up Offa That Thing” from the James Brown Birthday show (May 3), “When I’m Sixty-Four” from Over 65 Night (May 10), “End Credits Theme” from Spongebob Night (May 17), and “Hedwig’s Theme” from John Williams Night (May 24). Watch the entire show below:

    https://www.facebook.com/intrepidtravelersfamily/videos/1959591820740349/

    Setlist: Dark Disease > On Inside, All About It ~> Authority > Stand The Heat > Free Bird(1)% > Stand The Heat% > Get IT To You%

    (1) Lynyrd Skynard
    % Sean McNamara from Mosswalk on electric guitar

    On June 21, celebrate Solstice at the 3rd annual Intrepid Travelers festival. The festival returns this year with a new name, on a new weekend, in a new location, with a new vibe! Join IT at the beautiful “G” Lodge in Hannibal, NY for an unforgettable weekend of community, experience, and most of all, music. Enjoy 5 sets of Intrepid Travelers, special guest musicians, open jams for fellow musicians, vendors, and an intimate gathering like no other. Get tickets here.

    Intrepid Travelers residency





  • Hayley Jane and Michelangelo Carubba to headline Funk Night in Albany on June 21

    June 21 will bring out Hayley Jane and Friends for Funk Night in Albany at Parish Public House! Hayley brings along her friends Michelangelo Carubba (Turkuaz), Beau Sasser (Kung Fu), Justin Henricks (Wurliday, The Chronicles) and Daniel Lawson. Tickets are only $10 at the door with the show getting underway at 9pm, shortly after Alive at Five with Matisyahu wraps up at Jennings Landing, just two blocks north of Parish Public House! Get tickets and more info here.

    Hayley Jane Michelangelo Carubba

  • Los Lobos to Play Cohoes Music Hall

    Legendary rock band Los Lobos will headline Cohoes Music Hall on Sunday, July 22. The three-time Grammy winners are known around the world for their cover of “La Bamba” which was featured in the film based on the life of Ritchie Valens. This LA-based band has always striven to maintain their Mexican roots despite mainstream success. Louie Perez, the band’s drummer, once called their powerhouse mix of rock, Tex-Mex, country, folk, R&B, blues and traditional Spanish and Mexican music “the soundtrack of the barrio.” They recently released a split vinyl with The Shins on Third Man Records for Record Store Day. The song “The Fear” is now available digitally on Spotify. Tickets for the show at Cohoes Music Hall are on sale through Guthrie-Bell Productions. 

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