NYS Music 20​18

Category: Regions

  • The Wood Brothers Warm The Egg on a Chilly Evening

    The Wood Brothers brought their tour to The Egg Performing Arts Center in Albany, NY. The sold-out crowd dealt with the return of winter to hear some of the newest songs on their latest album, One Drop of Truth. The album was available at the merchandise table before its official release date of Friday, February 2. The brothers, Chris and Oliver Wood, and Jano Rix mixed new tunes with a healthy selection of Wood Brothers standards. Although, the crowd seemed more than happy to explore the new songs.

    Before the evening was over The Wood Brothers brought out special guest Aaron Lipp from Rochester, NY and the opening band, The Stray Birds, to help out with the one-microphone part of the evening. The voices of The Wood Brothers and their guests blended in the solo microphone to create an “old timey” feel inside The Egg. The night also featured a Wood Brothers cover of the late Tom Petty’s hit “You Wreck Me.”

  • Higher Ground Plans Change of Location

    Plans are in motion to move Higher Ground one city over to Winooski, from South Burlington, VT

    Winooski City Manager Jessie Baker is excited for the proposal for her city.

    ‘We as the city are very excited about the potential and we are excited to welcome them back to the city,’ she said. ‘They would be a great community partner and it would bring a lot of vibrancy downtown. We would welcome them with open arms.’

    The proposed venue will include 1,500 seats and will also have 20,000 square feet of office space. It will be a four-story building on Main Street.

    The next step in the process will be between the development partner and a potential tenant to negotiate ownership structure and figure out financing for the project, Baker said.

    “I am confident that both parties are working hard to make it happen,” she said. “It is pending financing.”

    Higher Ground currently has two separate venues. The Ballroom holds 750 people, while the Showcase Lounge has a capacity of 300.

    Higher Ground moved from Winooski to South Burlington in 2004.

  • 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.

  • Let’s Be Leonard offers live preview of Summer release ‘Static’

    Let’s Be Leonard will be releasing their sophomore album Static in July, and they’ve shared a live preview of some tracks that will be on their next studio effort. The recording comes from Caffe Lena and was produced by F. Cavone Productions. 

    Video setlist: Balloons*, Comet* -> High N’ Dry, How Do You Fall in Love, Most Days*

    *appears on Static

  • Hearing Aide: Luke Cornwell ‘Wallop Dollop’

    Luke Cornwell’s Wallop Dollop catches your attention from the get-go. When you’re honing your songs in café’s like Cornwell has been doing, you have to find a way to be noticed above the din of cappuccino machines and the drone of conversation. This debut EP showcases Cornwell’s flair for theatrics, pairing playful storytelling with inventive acoustic arrangements.

    Wallop Dollop begins with the spunky ditty “Good Morning Sunshine.” It’s an invitation to spend the day on a rollicking romp: taking a spin on the mall carousel, hanging at the park, and eating breakfast foods all day long. It’s a little earworm that I catch myself humming when I’m making coffee. I could almost imagine it in a film or television show, like when Bowling for Soup did the theme song for Disney’s Phineas and Ferb. It would even hold up next to a Moldy Peaches song on the soundtrack to the movie Juno.

    Cornwell combines upbeat guitar melodies with punchy percussion from Noah Boss to create a sound that is a cross between art rock and punk folk. The lyrics are refreshingly whimsical, but also contain subtle tongue-in-cheek commentaries. Cornwell could have used almost any object to finish the line “Where is my…” A Google search I conducted suggested finishing the sentence with the words tax refund, mind, phone, or super suit. Instead, Cornwell chose the words oxygen mask, making the song a story about anxiety and a frantic, panicked search for his breathing apparatus. The anti-love ballad “Paint Thinner” recounts a laundry list of things Cornwell would rather do than be with the subject of the song.

    Overall, Wallop Dollop is a study in contrasts. It’s punk and it’s folk. It’s sincere and it’s ironic. But one thing is for sure, it’s never boring!

    Wallop Dollop was recorded in Rochester by Alexander Eschbach at Light 40 Studios. It features Cornwell on vocals and guitar, Noah Boss on drums and background vocals, and Amanda Kuzar on kazoo. Kuzar is also the one throwing blue goo at Cornwell on the album cover, which was photographed by Jason Ackerman. It’s available to stream on Spotify and purchase on Bandcamp. True to the DIY art aesthetic, a limited run of hand painted CD’s are also on sale via Bandcamp. Visit Luke Cornwell’s website for more information and updates.

    Key Tracks: Good Morning Sunshine, Oxygen Mask, Paint Thinner

  • 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.

  • Strangefolk close out Northeast run at The Warehouse

    Strangefolk wrapped up their three-night run of New England on Sunday, January 21 at The Warehouse at FTC in Fairfield, CT. With Dave Diamond Band opening up the night, the crowd filtered into the 500 cap room early, crowding to the rail for Strangefolk, who continue to have a dedicated following more than 20 years since they started at UVM in Burlington. The group recently recorded a new song, and first since 1998, as the title track of the new Reid Genauer & Folks upcoming album Conspire to Smile.

    Setlist: Sinner, Fountain, Utterly Addled, Furnace, 40 Reasons, In Deep, Folka Polka -> Alaska, Elixir, Faces, What Say You?, So Well, Take It Easy on Me, Rachel, Lines & Circles, Sidestep Blues

    Encore: Westerly -> Lay The Dust -> Westerly

  • Greensky Bluegrass Takes Flight at the Egg

    Greensky Bluegrass returned to The Egg in Albany, NY on January 24 for their first East Coast show of 2018. The Michigan band was joined by Billy Strings, who opened the show with a selection from his 2017 album, Turmoil & Tinfoil. This sold-out crowd was treated to two sets of fantastic bluegrass on this “Casual Wednesday” with a number of egg jokes thrown in for good measure.

    greensky bluegrass egg

    The Quintet from Kalamazoo opened their first set with “Past My Prime,” which was greeted with a thunderous applause from the crowd. They followed that up with “Bringing In The Georgia Mail” and “Jaywalking.” Each featured a flurry of impressive solos with an eerie Dobro solo from Anders Beck. Both the band and the audience threw out egg jokes before and after launching into “Gumboots,” “Against the Days” and “Into the Rafters.” The bird jokes continued before starting “Reverend” and then following that with “Clinch Mountain Backstep.” The boys ended the set with “Nine Days” and fan-favorite, “Worried About The Weather.” This was the longest song of the set and received the loudest response from the fawning crowd.

    The beer line quickly faded as the lights dimmed, signaling the start of a magnificent second set. “Cryin’ Holy Unto The Lord” was the uplifting opener everyone needed to start dancing again. The highlight of the night was “All Four,” an 18 minute gem which featured a rousing jam that dazzled and amazed everyone in attendance. “What’s Left of the Night” was next and Michael Arlen Bont’s incredible banjo solo was spectacular. The band brought the jam down to an ephemeral lullaby before bringing it back up to finish the song and move into “Miss September.” This was the catchiest song of the night and Paul Hoffman really shined on Mandolin during this track.

    Greensky slowed things down with a spacey intro into “Bottle Dry,’ whose roaring peak was followed by the frenetic “Radio Blues.” The band’s fingers were a blur as they played each verse of this toe-tapping hit. The Egg received even more compliments during an appropriate “Casual Wednesday.” Anders came out and said this was an “Eggs-quisite room that was really Grade-A” and the crowd couldn’t agree more. Without missing a beat, they were off like a shot with “Broke Mountain Breakdown.” After some bombastic back-and-forth playing, they broke into a wavy, ambient jam before they brought it all back together with an effect-laden scorcher of a solo on the pedal steel.

    Things weren’t over yet as the band ended the second set with the Michael Jackson hit, “Beat It.” Mike Devol’s bass playing had everyone moving as this song got everyone out of their seats to end the set. As the crowd gave a standing ovation, Dave Bruzza welcomed Billy Strings out on stage to help with their encore. The audience went silent as all 8 players played an unplugged encore featuring the solemn “Tear Down The Grand Ole Opry” and the upbeat “Sunny Side Of The Mountain.”

    Setlist via PhantasyTour

    Set 1: Past My Prime, Bringing in the Georgia Mail, Jaywalking> Gumboots, Against the Days, Into the Rafters, Reverend> Clinch Mountain Backstep, Nine Days, Worried About the Weather

    Set 2    : Cryin’ Holy Unto The Lord (Rock Where Moses Stood), All Four, What’s Left of the Night> Miss September> Bottle Dry, The Radio Blues, Casual Wednesday, Broke Mountain Breakdown> Funk Jam> Beat It

    Encore: Tear Down The Grand Ole Opry* Sunny Side of the Mountain*

    * w/ Billy Strings Band, acoustic at the lip of the stage

  • Jack White 2018 Tour Hitting Three Upstate NY Venues

    Jack White is building enthusiasm for his 2018 tour by releasing a track from his upcoming third solo album Boarding House Reach, which comes out in March.

    “Corporation” will be available for fans to download digitally worldwide on Friday, Jan. 26 at midnight. Tour tickets went on sale at 10 a.m. Friday.

    White is giving away a physical CD copy of the new album with every ticket purchased online for the North American shows. Fans will have the option to upgrade the CD to the standard black vinyl LP.

    Jack White’s Facebook page released a 25 second preview of the track, check it out below.

    https://www.facebook.com/jackwhite/videos/1828260743873817/

    Boarding House Reach is the first all-new album in nearly four years, according to a press release. The album will be released Friday, March 23. Fans can pre-order the standard vinyl LP, CD and digital format beginning Friday, Jan. 26. Fans who purchase the digital album pre-order will also receive downloads of three songs – “Corporation,” “Connected by Love” and “Respect Commander.”

    White’s tour travels across North America and Europe for 42 shows from April 19 to Aug. 23.

    The tour includes several music festivals that Jack White will headline. North American festivals include: Atlanta’s Shaky Knees; Boston Calling 2018; New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival; and The Governors Ball in New York City. Jack White will also headline some festivals in Europe: Rock Werchter in Belgium; Mad Cool Festival in Spain; NOS Alive in Portugal; and the Ilosaarirock Festival in Finland.

    White released the third single “Corporation” from Boarding House Reach via YouTube Friday morning. You can view that here.

    Check out Jack White’s website for more information.

    Jack White 2018 Tour

    April 19 – Little Caesars Arena – Detroit, MI
    April 20 – Eagles Ballroom – Milwaukee, WI
    April 21 – 20 Monroe – Grand Rapids, MI
    April 23 – Baxter Arena – Omaha, NE
    April 24 – Providence Medical Center Amphitheater – Bonner Springs, KS
    April 25 – Chaifetz Arena – St. Louis, MO
    April 27 – Bomb Factory – Dallas, TX
    April 29 – Bomb Factory – Dallas, TX
    April 30 – Revention Music Center – Houston, TX
    May 1 – Revention Music Center – Houston, TX
    May 2 – Austin360 Amphitheater – Austin, TX
    May 4 – 6 – Shaky Knees Music Festival – Atlanta, GA *
    May 6 – New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – New Orleans, LA *
    May 26 – Boston Calling Music Festival – Boston, MA *
    May 27 – Brewery Ommegang – Cooperstown, NY
    May 29 – The Anthem – Washington, DC
    June 1 – Governors Ball Music Festival – New York, NY *
    June 4 – Express Live! Outdoor Amphitheater – Columbus, OH
    June 6 – Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica – Cleveland, OH
    June 7 – Dome Arena – Rochester, NY
    June 8 – Artpark Mainstage Theater – Lewiston, NY
    June 9 – Budweiser Stage – Toronto, ON
    June 27 – Hammersmith Apollo – London, UK
    June 28 – Hammersmith Apollo – London, UK
    July 2 – AFAS Live – Amsterdam, Netherlands
    July 3 – L’Olympia – Paris, France
    July 4 – L’Olympia – Paris, France
    July 7 – Rock Werchter – Werchter, Belgium *
    July 12 – 13 – Mad Cool – Madrid, Spain *
    July 14 – NOS Alive – Lisbon, Portugal *
    July 15 – Ilosaaririock Festival – Joensuu, Finland *
    Aug. 6 – The Armory – Minneapolis, MN
    Aug. 8 – 1st Bank Center – Broomfield, CO
    Aug. 9 – SaltAir – Salt Lake City, UT
    Aug. 11 – Veterans Memorial Coliseum – Portland, OR
    Aug. 12 – Rogers Arena – Vancouver, BC
    Aug. 13 – WAMU Theatre – Seattle, WA
    Aug. 15 – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium – San Francisco, CA
    Aug. 19 – Santa Barbara Bowl – Santa Barbara, CA
    Aug. 21 – Viejas Arena – San Diego, CA
    Aug. 22 – Comerica Theatre – Phoenix, AZ
    Aug. 23 – The Chelsea @ The Cosmopolitan – Las Vegas, NV

    * Denotes festival

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